As Monsoon Falters, Keep Food Imports Open, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• Maharashtra has declared drought in nearly three-fourths of its tehsils, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stating the situation could be worse than the 1972 famine.
• India's southwest monsoon recorded an 11.9% deficit below the historical average from June 1 to September 27.
• El Niño has entered a strong phase, expected to become "very strong" from October to February, impacting both kharif and the upcoming rabi crops.
• The Indian government has reduced import duties on crude palm, soyabean, and sunflower oils, and allowed nil duty imports for arhar and urad pulses.

Detailed Insights:

• 23 out of 36 meteorological subdivisions in India have reported cumulative rainfall deficits exceeding 10%.
• The worst-hit regions include southern states, Maharashtra's Marathwada and Vidarbha, Rajasthan, Saurashtra and Kutch, and the Northeast.
• Rainfall distribution has been skewed, with June and August being markedly deficient, while some regions like Odisha and Uttar Pradesh received concentrated rains.
• The strong El Niño is anticipated to lead to a poor rabi harvest due to reduced water availability and a potentially warm, short winter.
• Maharashtra activated its Drought Management Code, initiating crop loss assessments and concessions like land revenue waivers and agricultural loan restructuring.
• Other states are urged to adopt similar measures to mitigate the impact of the faltering monsoon.
• The efficacy of schemes like Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and VB-G Ram G schemes will be tested in providing timely relief and payouts to farmers.
• The government's move to cut import duties on edible oils and pulses aims to manage supply-side shortfalls and control food inflation.

Key Concepts Involved:

• El Niño: A climate pattern characterized by the unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, often leading to suppressed monsoon rainfall in India.
• Drought Management Code: A framework outlining procedures and relief measures to be activated by states during drought conditions, including assessment and farmer support.
• Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): A government-sponsored crop insurance scheme providing financial support to farmers against crop losses due to natural calamities.