The rainfall deficit and El Nino conditions have led to drought-like situations in parts of western and southern India, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. These conditions have reduced soil moisture and strained water reservoirs, posing risks to the rabi crop season. Key winter crops such as wheat, pulses, and oilseeds may face reduced yields, potentially exacerbating food inflation, which has already risen to 7.74% in September. The government has also implemented measures to prevent hoarding and control rice prices, which have surged due to the uneven monsoon.