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- By Vaidika Thapa
- Tue, 16 Jun 2026 09:18 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations has warned that a newly initiated phase of El Nino could severely threaten agriculture and food security across several Asian countries, including India. Originating in the Pacific Ocean, this climate phenomenon raises urgent concerns over a potential weakening of the Indian monsoon. Such a disruption can drastically impact the production of critical, rain-fed Kharif crops like paddy and maize.
UN FAO Issues Warning
According to FAO reports, El Nino can trigger below-normal rainfall across most parts of India, reducing the crucial soil moisture needed for agriculture. This lack of water threatens to severely strain crop yields during critical development phases. As major rain-fedKharif staples like paddy and maize rely heavily on monsoon rains, their overall production faces a significant risk of decline.
The UN agency further stated that the impact of El Nino will not be limited to the agricultural sector alone; it may also affect global food markets and prices. A decline in production will impact food supplies, and as a result many countries may have to rely more heavily on imports.
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Risk of drought in these countries
Backed by 41 years of satellite imagery and historical climate data, the FAO’s analysis warns of an elevated risk of drought across South and Southeast Asia. This multi-decade climate assessment indicates that the impending dry spell could severely impact major agricultural nations, including India, Pakistan, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Timor-Leste.
The livelihoods and food security of millions of people dependent on agriculture in these regions are likely to be affected. Citing the example of the 2015-16 El Nino, the report noted that maize production in India had declined by four percent and paddy production by one percent during that period. As a result, farmers would be directly affected. Jorge Alvar-Beltran, a Natural Resources Officer at the FAO, also claimed that farmers are the first to face the direct impact of low rainfall.
He warned that the current El Nino could prove to be more severe than previous ones, as global temperatures are already at record levels and many countries are facing food insecurity and economic challenges.