The reduced monsoon rainfall during El Niño years has historically led to lower agricultural output, particularly affecting crops like coarse cereals and pulses. This decline in production could have a cascading effect on food security, rural livelihoods, and the overall economy, as agriculture still contributes 17% to India’s GDP. While irrigation has mitigated some risks, regions heavily reliant on rain-fed agriculture remain vulnerable. The report also notes that Gross Value Added (GVA) growth tends to be lower during El Niño years, potentially impacting economic stability.