Getty ImagesIn the past, India has experienced below-average rainfall during most El Niño years.
In the past, India has experienced below-average rainfall during most El Niño years, sometimes leading to severe drought that destroyed crops and forced authorities to limit the export of some food grains.El Niño is a weather phenomenon that occurs when ocean temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean rise above normal. The warming causes changes in atmospheric patterns, leading to a weakening of the monsoon circulation over the Indian subcontinent.
In 2009, a weak El Niño led to a significant reduction in India's rainfall, plummeting to 78.2% of normal, the lowest recorded in 37 years. Conversely, in 1997, a strong El Niño occurred, yet India received 102% of its normal rainfall. Weather models are suggesting 2023 El Niño could be strong.The monsoon is vital for India, providing about 70% of annual rain and impacting key crops such as rice, wheat, sugarcane, soybeans, and peanuts.
Increased agricultural production could also ease export restrictions on sugar, wheat, and rice. Conversely, drought requires importing food and maintaining export restrictions. In 2009, poor rains forced India to import sugar, driving global prices to record highs.An overview of the challenges and opportunities of the climate crisis, as it changes the world we know.