Stories
Weak Monsoon, Africa Drought: S Jaishankar's Frightening Alert - 5 Crore People at Risk!
- •S Jaishankar warned of a major global food crisis at the Asia Society in New York, citing the Ukraine conflict, West Asia tensions, and the El Niño effect as key drivers.
- •A dangerous form of El Niño is over 90% likely to peak in the Northern Hemisphere winter of 2026-27, disrupting global weather and agricultural calendars.
- •India experienced its 13th lowest monsoon rainfall since 1901, at only 87% of the long-period average, leading to reduced foodgrain production targets and reliance on Rabi crops.
- •Disruptions in the global fertilizer supply chain, exacerbated by Middle East tensions, have driven up prices, risking reduced fertilizer use by farmers and lower crop yields.
- •India has an opportunity to leverage its large grain buffer for food diplomacy, turning S Jaishankar's warning into a chance for global leadership amidst the looming crisis.
Key Questions Answered
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar warned that the world faces simultaneous shocks from the prolonged conflict in Ukraine, escalating tensions in West Asia, and a strong El Niño weather effect, which have severely disrupted global grain supply chains, fertilizer production, and financial stability.
During the 2026 monsoon season, India recorded only 759.4 millimeters of rainfall, which is 87 percent of the long-period average and marks the 13th lowest monsoon since 1901. This severe deficit affected 17 out of 36 IMD sub-divisions and forced the government to lower its foodgrain production targets.
Attacks involving Iran and the US-Israeli situation disrupted shipments through the critical Strait of Hormuz, causing urea prices to surge past $850 per metric ton in April—an 80 percent increase since February—while phosphate prices saw a sharp 25-30 percent increase.
