Current Affairs

News & Analysis · Agriculture

Syllabus-mapped editorials, PIB updates, reports, judgments, and policy news for prelims and mains revision.

10 August 2026

News & Analysis10 Aug 2026indianexpress.com

Despite recent monsoon revival, why El Niño fears are not over yet

The article analyzes how a July monsoon revival, despite a strengthening El Niño, helped narrow the kharif sowing gap after a very dry June. However, it warns that the full impact of El Niño, particularly on rabi crops due to projected warm winters and global food prices (especially vegetable oils), is yet to manifest due to its lagged effects and continued intensification. India's substantial buffer stocks of rice, wheat, and pulses are highlighted as a mitigating factor against food inflation.

Agriculture

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22 July 2026

News & Analysis22 Jul 2026thehindu.com

WhatsApp weather alerts for people in Telangana villages under IMD’s Mission Mausam

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is implementing 'Mission Mausam' to provide panchayat-level weather forecasts and agrometeorological advisories to residents and farmers in Telangana villages via WhatsApp. This initiative leverages the Panchayat Mausam Seva Portal, integrated with digital governance platforms like e-GramSwaraj, and utilizes networks such as Krishi Sakhis and Pashu Sakhis for last-mile dissemination. The service aims to deliver critical information on weather events and crop-specific guidance to minimize agricultural losses, supported by IMD's extensive weather observation infrastructure.

Agriculture

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24 June 2026

News & Analysis24 Jun 2026thehindu.com

El Nino effect: Centre says 111 districts with ‘poor irrigation facilities’ are a concern

The Union Agriculture Minister held a high-level meeting to address the potential impact of the El Nino situation, which has caused a significant delay in monsoon rainfall, leading to 43% below normal precipitation. The Centre has identified 315 vulnerable districts, with 111 in 12 states being of primary concern due to poor irrigation facilities (below 25% coverage). Proactive measures include preparing district-specific contingency plans by ICAR, promoting water conservation through MGNREGA and forthcoming rural development programs, and planning for fodder supply to mitigate shortages for livestock. The weak monsoon is expected to directly affect Kharif crops, especially in rainfed regions.

Agriculture

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22 June 2026

GS-3News & Analysis22 Jun 2026thehindu.com

Biochar offers a way to turn India’s farm smoke into ‘black gold’

The article highlights India's agricultural paradox of burning biomass, leading to air pollution and soil degradation, while vast lands suffer from low soil organic carbon. It proposes biochar, made from agricultural waste in low-oxygen conditions, as a carbon-negative solution. Biochar improves soil health, water retention, and crop productivity, while sequestering carbon. The piece advocates for integrating biochar into sustainable farming initiatives, leveraging carbon credit markets for economic incentives, and expanding its feedstock to include urban organic waste, aligning with circular economy principles for a resilient agricultural future and global climate mitigation.

Agriculture Environment & Ecology

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