From Financialexpress · The Financial Express · · 1m 20s
Drought Threatens Indian Agriculture
India's 12.6% monsoon rainfall deficit risks food security as drought hits Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh.
In brief
India's 12.6% monsoon rainfall deficit risks food security as drought hits Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh. India faces drought impacts from a 12.6% monsoon rainfall deficit, affecting three states with urgent water security measures needed. Originally reported by Financialexpress.
Drought Threatens Indian Agriculture
Indian agriculture faces drought challenges with a 12.6% monsoon rainfall deficit, affecting states like Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh.
Monsoon Deficit Triggers Drought
This year there was an El Niño-driven deficiency of 12.6% in southwest monsoon rainfall, comparable to 2014 and 2015, with many states registering a shortfall of more than 20% which is the threshold for drought.
Government Response
A revised manual for drought management has been released by the government which should help in timely declaration of drought conditions.
State Impact
Due to a 53.4% rainfall deficit from June to August, the Andhra government declared that 21 of the state’s 28 districts have been affected.
Drought-affected Areas
In Maharashtra, after the chief minister visited affected areas, 74% of the state was declared as drought-hit.
Agricultural Vulnerability
Despite progress, 55 to 60% of agriculture's contribution to the economy comes from rain-fed crop lands.
Water Conservation Challenge
Karnataka and Maharashtra face pressure to shift to less water-intensive crops as sugarcane uses 70% of irrigation water in Karnataka and 65% in Maharashtra.
The essence
India faces drought impacts from a 12.6% monsoon rainfall deficit, affecting three states with urgent water security measures needed.
