After India's Driest August In Over 100 Years, More Grain Export Curbs Likely
NDTV
September rains will be crucial to make up the shortfall as the monsoon nears its end, especially given the onset of El Nino, which can bring drier conditions.
India received the lowest August rains since at least 1901, raising concerns about weaker crop output and the potential for more export restrictions following the nation's curbs on rice.
The country received 162.7 millimeters of rainfall this month, 36% lower than normal, according to the India Meteorological Department. Total rainfall during June-August was 10% below average, the figures show.
Monsoon rains irrigate about half of India's farmland and are crucial for crops such as sugar and soybeans. Erratic weather has hurt some harvests since last year, forcing the nation to restrict exports of wheat and rice to cool domestic retail inflation that surged to a 15-month high in July. The government has also imposed stockpile limits on some crops.
