The rainfall deficit and low soil moisture levels pose significant risks to agricultural productivity, particularly in western and southern India. Farmers in affected districts may face challenges in sowing rabi crops, potentially leading to lower yields. This could exacerbate food inflation, which has already risen to 7.74% in September, and strain food supply chains. The situation is especially concerning for staples like wheat, pulses, and edible oils, which are heavily reliant on residual soil moisture and irrigation.