IMD Forecasts Below-Normal September Rains, Raising Crop and Inflation Risks
· Business · LiveMint, The Hindu
The India Meteorological Department forecast below-normal rainfall for September 2026, warning of potential risks to kharif crop yields and food inflation. India is projected to receive less than 91% of its long-period average rainfall of 167.9 mm during the month, according to IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra. Cumulative seasonal rainfall from 1 June to 31 August reached 603.7 mm, standing 13.8% below normal levels. The weather office attributed the dry outlook to prevailing El Niño conditions over the equatorial Pacific Ocean. Experts noted that weak September precipitation could hurt farm incomes and rural demand.
Why it matters
Deficient late-monsoon rains threaten kharif harvest yields across India, which could push up food prices and drive up domestic inflation.
Read the original report — LiveMint
Join us on Telegram
Breaking news the moment it lands. At 10,000 members we ship the Android app.