Untimely Rains And Hailstorms Pose Threat To India's Key Winter Crops

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that key winter crop-growing states in central, northern, and western regions could receive more rain and hailstorms in the next 10 days. States like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Maharashtra may experience hailstorms with wind gusts of more than 30 kph leading to crop damage.

Impact On Production And Inflation

Typically chickpeas, rapeseed, and wheat are planted in October and November, and they are harvested in February end. The standing crops would be affected by rainfall and hailstorms, reducing the yields and quality of the harvest. ILA Commodities India Pvt. Ltd. director Harish Galipelli stated that “the standing crops would be damaged, and it could lower the yield.”

Apart from reducing yields, rainfall and hailstorms could also impact the quality of the harvest. A Mumbai-based dealer with a global trading house stated that the rainfall could reduce the harvest quality, leading to further losses for farmers.

The untimely rainfall and hailstorms could curtail the winter crops production and lift food inflation, which the government and central bank have been trying to contain. A drop in wheat production could make it difficult for the government to replenish inventories, while lower rapeseed output could force the world’s biggest edible oils buyer to increase imports of sunflower oil, soy oil, and palm oil.

Insight

The key winter crops have already been under stress due to above-normal temperatures and maturing early. The standing crops are likely to be affected by sudden rainfall and hailstorms, which could reduce the output and quality of the harvest. The extreme weather conditions could cause a surge in food inflation and make it challenging for the government to replenish inventories. Policymakers need to take urgent measures to mitigate the impact of these weather conditions on the agricultural sector and ensure food security for the country.

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