India - El Nino leaves North MP, Bundelkhand dry

22.09.2015 286 views
As monsoon is all set to withdraw by month end, El Nino has hit hard whole of Bundelkhand and Gwalior-Chambal region and parts of eastern MP. Scarce rain in these areas have been badly damaged crops. Director, Indian Meteorological department state unit Anupam Kashyapi said after scarce rain, it is going to be a warmer winter, this year. El Nino, or a warming of sea-surface temperatures in Pacific, can lead to blistering weather across Asia and east Africa and result in heavy rain and floods in South America. This has been the strongest El Nino and would continue to affect weather till first quarter of next year, said Kashyapi. "Not only the onset of winter is going to be delayed but also it is going to be warmer all across the country," he said. Before the onset of monsoon he had advised government to ask the farmers to go for crops that require less water as from mid-August to September there would be less rainfall. Now, almost at the end of monsoon Gwalior, Datia, Bhind, Morena, Sheopur and Shivpuri are facing drought-like conditions. "These districts have received almost 30% less rainfall than their yearly quota," he said. Besides, in all the districts of Bundelkhand including Sagar, Damoh, Panna, Tikamgarh and Chhatarpur, situation is very bad. Monsoon has also disappointed Anuppur, Shahdol, Katni, Rewa, Sidhi Singrauli and Balaghat districts. Kashyapi said from September 20 to 22, rainfall is likely in many places of east MP but situation is going to be "irreparable" in the abovementioned 12 districts. Situation may improve in Mandla, Jabalpur, Narisgnpur, Satna, Seoni and Umaria as monsoon is still active for three days in this region. He said all districts of western MP and districts of Chhindwara and Dindori, monsoon has been normal. Meanwhile, Congress has already started making demand to declare Gwalior -Chambal region as drought affected. In a letter written to chief minister, Congress MLA from Sheopur, Ramniwas Rawat raised the demand. He said there has been no rainfall in the region for last 30 days. "There is no moisture left in the fields and all crops of soyabean, paddy, linseed and pulses among others have been completely damaged." "Had there been a UPA government, chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan would have written a letter seeking help. But NDA government is not listening to him and he can do little. Farmers have also not been compensated for last year's damaged crop," he said. Agriculture minister Gaurishankar Bisen talking to TOI said, "I am waiting for a report from revenue department. As soon as I get it, I will let you know about crop condition in the state."
12.03.2026

USA - Software vendor sues FCIC after regulators reverse agent compensation rules

The firm alleges it invested nearly $20 million based on federal approvals later reversed.

12.03.2026

Philippines - Eastern Visayas to pilot mangrove insurance program

Hundreds of residents along the coast of Cancabato Bay were saved when Typhoon Yolanda struck this city in November 2013, thanks to a mangrove forest established by a local fishing community.

12.03.2026

India - Farmers fear yield loss after hailstorm in Ajnala villages

Intermittent drizzling accompanied by moderate winds and sporadic hailstorms in parts of the region early Thursday morning led to a noticeable drop in temperature, providing relief from the recent spell of rising heat.

12.03.2026

USA - As strawberry season begins, SC farmers are wary of disease threat that could ruin crops

South Carolina strawberry farmers are approaching spring with cautious optimism.

12.03.2026

Philippines - PCIC: Over 80% of farmers’ insurance claims released within 20 days

The majority of insurance claims of farmers and fishers have been released within the standard 20-day processing period in 2025, according to the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC).

12.03.2026

India - Centre to procure 100% tur dal from farmers in Madhya Pradesh

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday approved 100% procurement of tur (pigeon pea) dal from Madhya Pradesh, a move aimed at protecting farmers from any fall in market prices.

11.03.2026

Scaling up crop insurance in Africa for climate resilience and agricultural transformation

As climate change impacts intensify, African economies face increasing exposure to extreme weather events. The World Bank estimates that nearly 18% of the world’s population is at risk from severe weather events from which recovery would be difficult; in Africa, that number is 37%.

11.03.2026

USA - Specialty Crop Losses Outpace Federal Bridge Assistance Funding

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is rolling out a new Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program for specialty crops — that is, crops not included in the first $1 billion relief package — but early analysis from Terrain suggests economic losses across the sector far exceed available funding.