A significant 70% rainfall deficit, combined with temperatures unusual for this time of the year, has put a big question mark over India’s winter crop output this year. An official from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said that from January 1 to February 20, 2025, the nation has recorded only 9.8mm of rainfall, starkly lower than the normal 33 mm, resulting in an alarming 70% deficit across the country. This situation is particularly dire in the wheat-producing areas of northern India.
Temperature anomaly maps reveal that maximum temperatures in central and northern India are significantly exceeding normal levels, with minimum temperatures also exhibiting positive anomalies across most wheat-growing states. The warm winter throughout February, coupled with reduced rainfall on my farm and others in the area, has severely impacted wheat production. The daytime temperatures are elevated, which is detrimental to wheat production.
Presentation -Dibyabharati Nayak