India - El Nino leaves North MP, Bundelkhand dry

22.09.2015 284 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."
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.

11.03.2026

India - Maharashtra Govt Sanctions ₹15.77 Crore Relief For Jalgaon Farmers, Increases Compensation Limit To 3 Hectares

Relief and Rehabilitation Minister Makarand Jadhav-Patil informed the Assembly that the Government of Maharashtra has sanctioned ₹15.77 crore for farmers in Jalgaon district affected by crop damage due to unseasonal rains in Raver and Yawal talukas.

11.03.2026

Fertilizer emissions may damage soil bacteria that help crops grow

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is usually discussed as a climate problem – a powerful greenhouse gas that can spike in soils after fertilizer use. But new research from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) suggests it may also play an unexpected biological role.

11.03.2026

India - ₹243.52 crore interim crop insurance relief released to 2.9 lakh farmers in Kalaburagi

Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Priyank Kharge said the State government would make every effort to ensure that the proposed Millet Hub is established in Kalaburagi district, provided the Agriculture Department submits a detailed project report (DPR) along with a blueprint at the earliest.

11.03.2026

USA - Wheat Prices Rise on Poor Crop Conditions as Insurance Deadline Nears for Spring Plantings

Wheat markets have seen strong price movement in recent days following a disappointing crop condition report across several major producing states.

10.03.2026

India - Nearly all crop insurance claims settled, Centre tells Lok Sabha

The Centre on Tuesday informed the Lok Sabha that nearly all claims under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) have been settled, asserting that the crop insurance scheme now ensures timely and transparent compensation for farmers across the country.

10.03.2026

Turkish Malatya apricot crop recovers after 2025 frost damage

Malatya in Turkey, which accounts for about 85% of global dried apricot production, is entering the budding stage following frost damage recorded in April 2025. Early assessments from the region indicate improved crop conditions compared with earlier expectations.