Crops need water and nutrients for growth and sufficient grain yields. The signals on both fronts aren’t encouraging for the upcoming agricultural year. The India Meteorological Department has forecast a “below normal” southwest monsoon, with nationwide rainfall during June-September at 92 per cent of the long period average for the season. Even if the anticipated El Niño becomes a “strong” event only towards the end of the four-month season, its association with warmer-than-normal winters can also have an impact on the 2026-27 rabi crop, in addition to the one whose planting will start in a month’s time. But more than water – improved irrigation coverage has over the years........

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