El Nino likely to weaken 2026 Indian monsoon and crops
Heads up: Most global models are predicting El Nino conditions for the 2026 monsoon, which could mean less rain across India and some tough times for key crops like paddy and pulses.
This weather pattern is expected to stick around until January 2027, so farmers might have to brace for a trickier growing season.
IMD expects 92% of average rainfall
IMD's chief, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, mentioned that even though positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) conditions usually help bring more rain, El Nino might cancel out those gains, so overall rainfall could drop to about 92% of the average.
On top of that, global supply chain issues from West Asia are making farming supplies pricier and harder to get.
Still, experts say better soil moisture from early rains could give rural economies a small boost if sowing happens on time.