എല് നിനോ Brings Severe Drought to Kerala, Threatens Crops and Water Reserves

എല് നിനോ drives drought conditions across Kerala

Following the arrival of എല് നിനോ, the monsoon failed to deliver expected rainfall, leaving Kerala with markedly lower reservoir levels and a looming threat to agricultural output.

Water storage under strain

Data from the Central Water Commission shows that the country’s 178 major dams collectively hold only 66% of their total capacity. In the southern stretch from Andhra Pradesh to Kerala, the stored volume is about 24 billion cubic metres, merely 43% of design capacity – a sharp drop from the 89% recorded last year.

Impact on staple crops

Reduced precipitation is expected to curtail yields of rice, sugarcane, edible oils and various pulses. National rice production could fall by up to one crore tonnes, and in Kerala the shortfall may push market prices toward 100 rupees per kilogram. Sugar prices are also projected to rise to roughly 60 rupees per kilogram.

Government response and farmer support

Authorities have identified 342 districts across 14 states as drought‑affected and issued guidance to cultivate fast‑growing varieties. A “Khēth Baccāvo” campaign aims to educate around five million farmers, while chemical fertilizer use will be curtailed in favor of bio‑based alternatives. Seeds with climate‑resilient traits are being supplied through the ICAR, and a reserve of 1.74 lakh quintals of seed stock has been earmarked for distribution.

Insurance and monitoring

Crop‑insurance schemes are being reinforced, and multi‑departmental monitoring committees will track reservoir levels, drinking‑water availability and agricultural threats at the district level.

Potential future scenarios

Speculation about whether the El Niño pattern will persist into 2027 has appeared in online discussions, but no official forecast confirms a continuation beyond the current cycle. Likewise, reports of intensified Pacific Ocean heating are noted, yet concrete links to local weather remain unverified.

For more context on related commodity trends, see Top Sugar Companies and Market Price Pressures on చక్కెర in India.

Sources: Mathrubhumi, Azhimukham, Deshabhimani.