EconomyEconomic Times
El Nino effect: Monsoon deficit hits 15%; Key pulses and oilseeds at risk
India faces a 15% monsoon rainfall deficit affecting nearly half its districts, threatening kharif crops like pulses and soybeans. The shortfall is worsened by high temperatures increasing moisture stress in key agricultural zones. Several states have initiated water rationing to prioritize rabi crop irrigation. This development is critical for exams as it links climate phenomena (El Niño), agricultural economics, food security, and government crisis response — all high-yield topics for UPSC, SSC, and banking exams.
Exam-ready takeaways
- Monsoon rainfall deficit: 15% as per latest IMD data
- Nearly 50% of districts affected by deficient rainfall
- Key kharif crops at risk: pulses (tur, urad) and oilseeds (soybean)
- States implementing water rationing to conserve for rabi season
- High temperatures intensifying soil moisture deficit in central & peninsular India
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Fill the missing fact
Try the gap before opening the answer. These exercises use the report’s own wording; they are practice prompts, not past exam questions.
India faces a [ … ] monsoon rainfall deficit affecting nearly half its districts, threatening kharif crops like pulses and soybeans.
Reported answer: 15%
India faces a 15% monsoon rainfall deficit affecting nearly half its districts, threatening kharif crops like pulses and soybeans.
Monsoon rainfall deficit: [ … ] as per latest IMD data
Reported answer: 15%
Monsoon rainfall deficit: 15% as per latest IMD data
Nearly [ … ] of districts affected by deficient rainfall
Reported answer: 50%
Nearly 50% of districts affected by deficient rainfall
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