Topic
monsoon
Commodities India's Foodgrain Reserves Hit Record 122 mt as El Nino Looms Over 2026 Kharif Crop
India's Central Pool foodgrain reserves hit a record 122.64 million tonnes as of June 1, 2026, sufficient to sustain welfare programmes for over two years. This buffer comes as El Nino threatens the 2026 kharif crop, with the government targeting 176.16 mt of foodgrain production despite a below-normal monsoon forecast.
Commodities Kharif Pulses Sowing Off to a Weak Start: Acreage Down 43% as of June 12
Kharif pulses sowing in India has started weakly with acreage down 43% as of June 12 due to a delayed and deficient monsoon. Tur acreage fell 57%, urad 22%, and moong 55% compared to last year. Farmers in key regions await rains, while the government holds buffer stocks of 4.3-4.5 million tonnes to keep prices in check.
Monsoon delay in Gujarat deepens farm risk; crop-loss compensation crosses ₹22,733 crore in a decade
Gujarat has recorded an 83% rainfall deficit as of June 16, 2026, with nine districts in Saurashtra reporting a 100% deficit. The state has paid out ₹22,733 crore in crop-loss compensation between FY16 and FY26, with nearly half paid in FY26 alone. Farmers have sown 4.27 lakh hectares so far, led by cotton and groundnut, but moisture stress threatens early crops.
Commodities India Soyabean Acreage Seen Rising Up to 10% on High Prices, Weak Monsoon Outlook
India's soyabean acreage is expected to rise by up to 10% in 2026, from 12 million hectares in 2025, driven by four-year-high prices and a forecast of below-normal monsoon rainfall due to El Nino. Farmers are shifting from water-intensive crops like sugarcane and corn. Higher output could help curb edible oil imports and ease domestic soyabean and soyameal prices.
Commodities India Receives 32% Deficient Rains During June 1-15, IMD Data Shows
India recorded 42.4 mm of rainfall from June 1-15, 32% below the normal of 62.1 mm, according to the India Meteorological Department. Central India saw the largest deficit at 57%, while North-West India had an 8% surplus. Monsoon advancement continues slowly.
Commodities El Nino May Weaken India's Monsoon, Threaten Rice and Maize Output, FAO Warns
The FAO has warned that the newly begun El Nino phase may weaken India's summer monsoon, putting rainfed crops like rice and maize under stress during the kharif season. Historical analysis shows that during the 2015-16 El Nino, India's maize output fell by 4% and rice dropped by 1%, while Southeast Asia lost about 15 million tonnes of rice. The agency also flagged that disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz are raising energy and fertiliser costs as farmers prepare for sowing.
No fertiliser shortage for kharif, rabi crops; govt prepared for El Nino, says Shivraj Singh Chouhan
India's agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has stated that there will be no fertiliser shortage for the upcoming kharif and rabi crop seasons. The government has also prepared for potential El Nino conditions. The announcement provides reassurance to the agricultural sector and related trade stakeholders.
Commodities Monsoon Stalls: Rain Deficit Deepens in West India
The monsoon has stalled along India's coast, leading to a significant rain deficit in West India. Key regions like Saurashtra and Kutch are experiencing over 60% below-normal rainfall.
Commodities India's Monsoon Boosted by IoD Amid El Nino Concerns
India's monsoon season could see improved rainfall due to a potential positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IoD) event, despite the looming threat of El Nino. The Bureau of Meteorology reports sea surface temperatures have crossed the El Nino threshold, but a positive IoD could enhance monsoon rains.
Commodities Monsoon Slowdown Expected in North-West India Due to Western Disturbance
The monsoon in north-west India is expected to slow down due to a western disturbance, affecting agricultural activities. Heavy rainfall remains concentrated along the west coast, but a slowdown is anticipated in the coming days.
Commodities Monsoon Advances Amid Strengthening El Niño Signals
The Indian monsoon has advanced further, covering key agricultural regions, while El Niño signals strengthen, potentially impacting crop yields. Traders are closely monitoring these developments.
RBI Warns Monsoon Deficiency May Impact India's Trade
The Reserve Bank of India warns that a projected monsoon deficiency may affect rural demand and consumption, potentially impacting trade. The RBI has adjusted its GDP growth forecast for FY27 to 6.6% amid global supply chain disruptions.
Commodities Delayed Monsoon Affects Indian Agriculture Markets
The delayed monsoon in India, influenced by El Niño, is impacting agricultural commodity markets. Key regions like Gujarat and Rajasthan face below-normal rainfall, affecting crop forecasts.
India's South-West Monsoon Begins Over Kerala
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Monsoon Relief Expected in Tamil Nadu
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Commodities India Lowers Foodgrain Output Target Amid Monsoon Concerns
India has reduced its foodgrain output target for the 2026-27 crop year to 373.93 million tonnes, citing concerns over a below-normal monsoon forecast. The decision reflects potential impacts from El Nino, affecting rice and maize production.
Kerala Monsoon Onset Delayed, Rainfall 55% Below Normal
The India Meteorological Department forecasts a delayed monsoon onset over Kerala on June 4, with initial rainfall 55% below normal. This weather pattern could impact agricultural trade and import/export activities in India.
Commodities Monsoon Delays Impact Kerala's Agricultural Markets
The delayed monsoon onset in Kerala is affecting agricultural commodity markets, with potential impacts on crop yields and prices. Traders are closely monitoring weather forecasts and market reactions.
Below-Normal Monsoon Forecast Threatens Indian Agriculture
The India Meteorological Department forecasts below-normal monsoon rainfall and above-normal heatwaves in June, impacting key agricultural regions. This development could significantly affect commodity markets, particularly for crops like rice and wheat.
Monsoon Alert: Sri Lanka Hit, Kerala Next
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Trade India Seeks 1.7 Million Tons of Urea Amid Supply Disruptions
India has issued a tender to import 1.7 million tons of urea due to disrupted gas supplies from the Middle East. The tender, managed by National Fertilizers Ltd., aims to secure fertilizer ahead of the monsoon sowing season.
Commodities India Prepares for El Niño Impact on Kharif Season Amid Monsoon Concerns
India's Agriculture Minister announced contingency plans to mitigate El Niño's potential impact on the Kharif season. With monsoon rains predicted to be below normal, the government is ensuring seed availability for alternative cropping strategies.
India's Monsoon Forecast: Below Normal at 90% LPA in 2026
The India Meteorological Department forecasts a below-normal monsoon for 2026, with rainfall at 90% of the long period average. This could significantly impact agricultural output in key regions.
Monsoon Delays Raise Concerns in Lakshadweep
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Commodities Wheat Prices Surge Amid Global Supply Concerns
Wheat prices on the CBOT have surged to $7.50/bushel for the December contract, marking a 5% increase from last week and a 12% rise year-over-year. The price hike is driven by adverse weather conditions in key growing regions and ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting exports.
Western Disturbance May Impact India's Monsoon
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Commodities India's Monsoon Shortfall Threatens Agricultural Output
India's monsoon is projected at 90% of the long-period average, marking the driest period in 11 years. This shortfall could significantly impact agricultural output.
Commodities India Prepares for Below-Normal Monsoon Impact on Agriculture
India's Agriculture Minister urges states to prepare for a below-normal monsoon, potentially affecting the Kharif season. The IMD forecasts a 90% monsoon of the long-period average, raising concerns over agricultural output.