India faces drought risk across 282 districts due to El Nino

The El Nino effect has significantly impacted India's monsoon season, leading to drought risks across approximately 38 percent of the country. According to the India Meteorological Department, average rainfall from June to September was recorded at 759.4 mm, which is only 87 percent of the long-term average. This marks the 13th lowest monsoon rainfall since 1901.

Rainfall deficits are widespread, affecting 282 districts. Notable declines include 41 percent in Punjab and 22 percent in Rajasthan. In response to the shortage, the Maharashtra government has declared 265 tehsils drought-affected, and drought-affected talukas have been announced in Karnataka. A central team is scheduled to conduct a ground assessment starting October 3 to determine relief assistance.

The uneven rainfall has directly impacted agriculture, specifically causing a reduction in paddy cultivation area by approximately 1.632 million hectares. While total Kharif sowing remains similar to last year, significant decreases in cultivation area were noted in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. Conversely, the area for crops such as urad, millet, sorghum, sesame, sunflower, moong, and arhar has increased.

In Rajasthan, the monsoon deficit of 22 percent is expected to lead to higher-than-normal temperatures throughout October, with daytime highs reaching near 38 degrees Celsius in some areas.