Q.18. Discuss the relationship between El Nino and South-East Monsoon in India and its impact on agriculture.

El Niño and the South-East Monsoon in India have an inverse relationship, where the occurrence of El Niño typically leads to a weaker monsoon. Here’s a detailed look at this relationship and its impact on agriculture:

Relationship Between El Niño and South-East Monsoon:

• El Niño: It refers to the warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and east-central Equatorial Pacific, which can disrupt normal weather patterns across the globe, including the Indian monsoon.

• Impact on Monsoon: The warming caused by El Niño weakens the southeast trade winds that are crucial for driving the South-East Monsoon over India. Consequently, El Niño events are often associated with weaker monsoons and lower than average rainfall in India.

Impact on Agriculture:

• Kharif Crops: The South-East Monsoon is critical for the Kharif (monsoon) cropping season in India. A weak monsoon due to El Niño can result in reduced rainfall, leading to drought-like conditions, adversely affecting crops like rice, maize, and pulses.

• Rabi Crops: El Niño can also impact the subsequent Rabi (winter) cropping season by altering the temperature and moisture patterns, potentially affecting crops like wheat and barley.

• Water Scarcity: Lower monsoon rainfall can lead to water scarcity, affecting irrigation and drinking water supplies, which are vital for agriculture and rural communities.

• Economic Impact: Agriculture being a significant part of India’s economy, a poor monsoon can lead to lower crop yields, increased food prices, and inflation, thereby affecting the livelihoods of millions of farmers.

In summary, El Niño has a significant impact on the South-East Monsoon, which in turn affects agricultural productivity and water resources in India. Understanding this relationship is crucial for developing contingency plans and mitigating the adverse effects on agriculture and the economy.