El Niño Threatens India's Crop Productivity Amid Drought Concerns The looming El Niño phenomenon has cast uncertainty over India's agricultural output, despite government assurances of preparedness. According to the Crop Weather Watch Group under the Department of Agriculture, the country has experienced a 14% rainfall deficit since the start of the monsoon season. The India Meteorological Department warned that El Niño is expected to intensify during the second half of the monsoon season, from August to September. This weather pattern has already led to a reduction of 1.3 million hectares in the sown area of paddy, the dominant kharif crop, compared to the previous year. In response to the El Niño's potential impact, the Indian Council on Agricultural Research (ICAR) issued guidelines for district-level farming research centers, known as Krishi Vigyan Kendras. These centers were instructed to distribute climate-resilient seeds, provide advisories, and promote fodder conservation. However, despite these measures, drought conditions have sparked demands for relief from regions such as Gujarat and Karnataka, highlighting gaps between drought preparedness and actual implementation. The India Drought Monitor, a tool developed by researchers at IIT Gandhinagar's Water and Climate Lab, indicates that nearly 40% of the country is facing abnormal, moderate, or severe dryness as of August 24. This assessment is based on hydrometeorological indicators, including rainfall, vegetation cover, and groundwater levels. The drought declaration process in India is governed by the 2016 Manual for Drought Management, which was revised following a landmark Supreme Court case filed by the political organization Swaraj Abhiyan in 2015.#india #india_meteorological_department #el_nio #icar #iit_gandhinagar
