Monsoon deficit threatens lower rabi crop acreage, warns of yield risks

Farmers are likely to curtail rabi sowing due to insufficient rainfall and diminished soil moisture levels across farming regions. The shortfall could lead to reduced yields of critical crops including wheat, pulses, and oilseeds, impacting food security and agricultural output.

Reservoir levels remain under strain, with over half of storage facilities holding less water compared to the same period last year. The reduced water availability in key agricultural zones has heightened concerns over the sustainability of the upcoming rabi season.

State and central governments are advising farmers to select crops aligned with local water availability, particularly in water-scarce regions. These measures aim to optimize resource allocation and mitigate losses amid the monsoon deficit.