The brief
- This year's southwest monsoon ended with a 13% deficit over the long-period average
- A weaker monsoon raises risks for Indian agriculture and rural-demand-linked companies
- Drought fears escalating: How 13% rain deficit threatens crop yields & food inflation
- Microfinance entities step up caution in Karnataka, Maharashtra amid drought
- Greece's vanishing lake exposes rapid impact of climate change
- Food Grain output may not see big drop despite El Nino, drought, floods: Agri Minister
- Canara Bank CEO estimates ₹450 crore from MDR on UPI
India’s deficient 2026 monsoon and rural impacts
The 2026 southwest monsoon delivered 87% of the long-period average, the weakest since 2015, as drought affected 265 of Maharashtra’s 358 talukas. Poor rains have hurt fertiliser sales and rice yields, pushed onion prices nearly double, and raised concerns about farm growth and rural demand.
Friday, 2 October
- Don't blame El Niño alone