Rice prices rise as 26kg bag jumps from ₹1,800 to ₹2,150
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Cropping patterns & irrigation· Prelims + Mains·
Climate variability and monsoon patterns: a GS3 agriculture and food security case study.
Why in news
Rice prices in India surged as a 26kg bag jumped from ₹1,800 to ₹2,150 due to a 3.46% drop in Kharif cultivation area and a below-normal monsoon.
Background
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare reported a drop in rice cultivation area from 449.18 lakh hectares in 2025-26 to 433.62 lakh hectares. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported the 2026 south-west monsoon ended 12.6% to 13% below the long-period average.
Facts for Prelims
- FactKharif rice cultivation area dropped by 3.46% from 449.18 lakh hectares (2025-26) to 433.62 lakh hectares.
- FactThe 2026 south-west monsoon ended 12.6% to 13% below the long-period average.
- FactThe Minimum Support Price (MSP) for paddy is ₹2,440, while open market prices reached ₹4,000 per quintal.
- S&TEl Niño is a periodic climate pattern of warming of the Pacific Ocean affecting trade winds and the Indian monsoon.
- BodyIndia Meteorological Department (IMD) provides monsoon forecasts and climate data.
Prelims practice question
Which climate pattern involves the warming of the Pacific Ocean and affects the Indian monsoon?
- (a)La Niña
- (b)Arctic Oscillation
- (c)El Niño
- (d)Indian Ocean Dipole
Show answer
Answer: (c) El Niño — El Niño is a periodic climate pattern of warming of the Pacific Ocean affecting trade winds and the Indian monsoon.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the impact of climate variability like El Niño on India's food security and the necessity of shifting towards less water-intensive crops.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Climate-induced supply shocks: Impact of below-normal monsoon on water-intensive staples like rice.
- Crop diversification strategy: Transitioning rain-fed areas to pulses and millets to mitigate water stress.
- Market price volatility: Disparity between Minimum Support Price and open market prices during supply deficits.
Keywords: El Niño · Kharif cultivation · Food security · Crop diversification · Monsoon variability · MSP
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.