India Faces Food Security Concerns Amid El Nino and Rainfall Deficit
India Faces Food Security Concerns Amid El Nino and Rainfall Deficit
IN · Published Oct 22, 2026
• India has recorded a 13% shortfall in rainfall during the June-September period, marking the lowest monsoon precipitation in over a decade.
• Strengthening El Nino conditions are expected to exacerbate the situation, potentially impacting agricultural output and food security.

Impact & Risks

The rainfall deficit and El Nino conditions are likely to affect agricultural productivity, particularly in states reliant on imports for food, such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu. A sharp decline in wheat production could lead to a food crisis, impacting India's ability to feed its population of 1.48 billion. Additionally, the global fertiliser supply chain, heavily reliant on exports through the Strait of Hormuz, faces disruptions due to geopolitical tensions, further straining food production. Vulnerable populations may face increased food insecurity due to rising prices and uneven distribution of food resources.

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