Crises in Rainfall, Fertilizers, and Fuel Could Cause Distress

20-Apr-2026 02:04 PM

New Delhi. On a national level, water levels in dams and reservoirs have dropped significantly, and a shortage of rainfall is anticipated in the coming months. This could lead to a decline in the yield of Kharif crops and a reduction in farmers' incomes.

Furthermore, shortages of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, diesel, petrol, and gas could also intensify. Prices for these commodities are likely to remain elevated, potentially causing significant hardship for small and marginal farmers. Close monitoring of the supply of agricultural inputs will be essential.

According to an analytics firm, the regular and adequate availability of water is crucial for optimal agricultural production. Irrigated areas account for 50–60 percent of the country's total agricultural land, while the remaining portion remains dependent on rainfall. In these rain-dependent regions, crops—including paddy and other commodities—will be in dire need of monsoon rains for irrigation.

The majority of pulse and oilseed cultivation takes place in these very rain-dependent areas. In states like Maharashtra, temperatures have soared, reaching up to 45 degrees Celsius.

A silver lining, however, is that Telangana is currently experiencing heavy rainfall. While rainfall is needed across all states, it could prove detrimental at this particular juncture for wheat-producing provinces.