According to India Meteorological Department (IMD), there is nearly 70% probability of an El Nino developing this monsoon. This has strengthen the concerns that the weather phenomenon could threaten agriculture, consumption and an economy.
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Experts believe El Nino that follows a La Nina year typically results in a significant shortage of downpours, which might jeopardize agricultural production and other aspects of the Indian economy.
As per media reports, with an El Nino almost certain to arise, the Union ministry of agriculture and IMD have been holding monthly meetings to prepare region-specific mitigation plans, a senior official said, requesting anonymity.
The monsoon-disrupting weather pattern, triggered by a warming of the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, causes climate chaos across the globe and, often, drought in India. The IMD on Friday said there is a 70% probability of El Nino in the June, July, August season and the probability rises to 80% in July, August and September season.
IMD, in its renewed assessment on April 11, had pegged the probability at 50%, came even as the government moved to take additional steps to protect farmers, especially by setting up a system to for specific advisory services and forecasts for each of India’s 700-odd districts based on different rainfall scenarios.
The monsoon is the lifeblood of the world’s fifth-largest economy. Nearly half of the country’s net-sown area lacks irrigation access, making the rain-bearing system vital. It also replenishes 91 natural reservoirs that feed power generation, factories and drinking supply.
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