The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that higher-than-normal winter temperatures may negatively impact the yield of crucial crops like wheat and mustard during the winter months (December 2024 to February 2025).

Wheat, gram, lentil, and mustard, which are key Rabi crops, require a cold climate for optimal growth, especially during their sowing and maturation periods. High temperatures could disrupt this cycle, leading to reduced yields.

India's dependence on imports for pulses and edible oils is already significant, and if the yields of crops like gram and mustard are affected, this reliance may increase further.

Additionally, the government’s wheat stock is limited, and with market prices already high, any potential decline in production could cause prices to rise even more.

To mitigate this, the government is preparing to sell wheat under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS), but it faces the challenge of managing rising food grain prices.

Over the past two years, hot and dry conditions have caused a significant reduction in wheat production, reducing the government's stockpile.

Despite the government's efforts to stabilize prices and manage procurement, the ban on wheat exports, imposed two years ago, remains in place.

As a result, the prices of wheat have surged, with rates in Delhi peaking at Rs 32,000 per tonne, up from Rs 25,000 per tonne in April 2023.

The Minimum Support Price (MSP) for wheat for the upcoming season has also seen a rise, increasing from Rs 2275 per quintal to Rs 2425 per quintal.

The situation remains precarious, with any further climate disturbances potentially exacerbating food security concerns in the country.