India Faces Monsoon Deficit Amid El Niño, Raising Crop Concerns
India Faces Monsoon Deficit Amid El Niño, Raising Crop Concerns
India · Published Sep 12, 2026
India is experiencing a below-normal southwest monsoon in 2026, with national rainfall deficits estimated at around mid-teens percentage.
The shortfall is particularly severe in East and North India, regions that are heavily reliant on rain-fed agriculture.

Impact & Risks

The monsoon deficit is expected to have a pronounced impact on rain-fed agricultural regions in East and North India. Crops such as aniseed, which compete for land with other rain-sensitive spices and pulses, may experience reduced yields due to insufficient rainfall. This could lead to tighter seed availability later in the season, potentially driving up prices. The situation is particularly concerning for farmers in these regions, as the lack of adequate rainfall could result in lower crop incomes and increased financial stress. The broader agricultural market may also see ripple effects, with potential price increases in other crops due to substitution in planting and trade flows.

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