Super El Niño Impact: 12 Indian States Face Severe Weather Effects, West Bengal Excluded The phenomenon of Super El Niño, often described as a "wild horse" in its intensity, is expected to have significant weather impacts across 12 Indian states. These states, identified by the Ministry of Agriculture, include Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Odisha, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra. West Bengal is notably absent from the list, which has been welcomed as relief for the state’s agricultural sector. El Niño, a climate pattern characterized by the warming of ocean surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific, typically occurs every 2 to 7 years. Its effects can last between 9 months to 12 months, though it may persist longer in some cases. This year, the El Niño event has already begun to influence weather patterns, with rainfall deficits observed as early as June. By June 16, 35% of the expected rainfall had already been missed, raising concerns about its impact on the kharif (monsoon) cropping season. The Ministry of Agriculture has warned that the 12 states could face severe disruptions in crop production due to reduced rainfall and potential drought conditions. Farmers in these regions are being urged to focus on cultivating crops like pulses and oilseeds to mitigate losses. Additionally, the government is promoting the use of high-yield varieties and crop rotation strategies to adapt to the adverse conditions. Efforts are also underway to reduce dependence on imported pulses by boosting domestic production of crops such as jowar (sorghum), barley, and other staples.#west_bengal #el_nino #shivraj_singh_chouhan #national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration #ministry_of_agriculture
