India Faces Agricultural Challenges Amid Below-Normal Rainfall Forecast for 2026
India Faces Agricultural Challenges Amid Below-Normal Rainfall Forecast for 2026
IN · Published Jun 12, 2026
India's agricultural sector is grappling with significant challenges due to climate change and shifting weather patterns. According to a report by the Centre for Science and Environment, the number of days with extreme weather events increased to 331 in 2025, up from 295 in
The forecast for 2026 predicts below-normal rainfall at 90% of the long-period average, raising concerns for the country's rainfed agricultural areas, which account for half of the cultivated land. Additionally, rising temperatures and erratic rainfall are impacting crop yields and farm incomes. Despite these challenges, the government has increased the minimum support price (MSP) for paddy by 3% for the kharif 2026 season, though this may not encourage a shift to less water-intensive crops like pulses and oilseeds. Efforts to develop resilient crop varieties and improve agricultural practices are ongoing, with 2,661 stress-tolerant crop varieties released between 2014 and 2025.

Why It's Important?

The forecasted below-normal rainfall and increasing extreme weather events pose significant risks to India's agricultural sector. Farmers reliant on rainfed agriculture are particularly vulnerable, as erratic rainfall and rising temperatures threaten crop yields and incomes. The continued focus on resource-intensive crops like rice and sugarcane exacerbates the depletion of natural resources, while stagnant yields of less water-intensive crops discourage diversification. Without substantial policy shifts and investments in agricultural research and development, the sector may struggle to meet the growing food and nutritional needs of the population.

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