Relationship Between El Niño and South-East Monsoon in India:

El Niño is a climatic phenomenon characterized by the warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. It has a significant impact on global weather patterns, including the South-East Monsoon in India.

During an El Niño event, the Indian monsoon season, which usually begins in June and lasts until September, often experiences disruptions. El Niño tends to weaken the South-West Monsoon, which is crucial for the Indian subcontinent. The warm oceanic temperatures disrupt the atmospheric circulation patterns, reducing the moisture carried by the monsoon winds from the Indian Ocean to the Indian landmass. As a result, the monsoon rains are often delayed or less intense during El Niño years.

Impact on Agriculture:

1. Reduced Rainfall: A weakened monsoon leads to lower rainfall levels, which can adversely affect crop production, particularly for rain-fed crops such as rice, pulses, and coarse cereals.
2. Drought Conditions: Insufficient rainfall can lead to drought conditions, depleting soil moisture and affecting crop yields. This can result in reduced agricultural output and increased dependence on irrigation.
3. Food Security: Persistent drought conditions impact food security by reducing the availability of staple crops and increasing food prices, which can affect both farmers’ incomes and consumer prices.
4. Economic Losses: Poor agricultural performance during El Niño years can lead to economic losses for farmers and agricultural-dependent economies, impacting livelihoods and increasing poverty.

In summary, El Niño’s influence on the South-East Monsoon can significantly affect agricultural productivity in India, leading to reduced rainfall, drought conditions, and economic challenges for the agricultural sector.