New Delhi, Feb 2 (PTI) – India’s food inflation has remained persistently high over the past two years, diverging from the global trend of declining or stable food prices. The government, in its latest Economic Survey, attributes this to frequent extreme weather events, which have significantly impacted agricultural production, particularly onions and tomatoes.
The report, tabled in Parliament on Friday, highlights how adverse weather conditions in 2023-24 damaged crops across major horticulture-producing states, fueling inflationary pressures on essential food commodities.
According to data from the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), the total crop area damaged in 2024 surpassed that of the previous two years, reinforcing concerns over climate-induced agricultural distress.
To address long-term price stability, the government has proposed:
✔ Developing climate-resilient crops
✔ Enhancing data systems for price monitoring
✔ Minimizing crop damage
✔ Reducing post-harvest losses
With climate challenges continuing to impact agriculture, building resilience in India’s food supply chain remains a top priority for policymakers.
The report, tabled in Parliament on Friday, highlights how adverse weather conditions in 2023-24 damaged crops across major horticulture-producing states, fueling inflationary pressures on essential food commodities.
Extreme Weather and Crop Damage
The survey underscores the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, citing data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Between 2022 and 2024, heatwaves occurred on 18% of days, a sharp rise compared to just 5% in 2020 and 2021. Such climatic shifts have led to lower harvests and supply disruptions, exacerbating food inflation.According to data from the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), the total crop area damaged in 2024 surpassed that of the previous two years, reinforcing concerns over climate-induced agricultural distress.
Price Volatility and Future Measures
The survey acknowledges that geopolitical conflicts and extreme weather shocks have triggered price fluctuations, but notes that their immediate impact has started to ease. However, commodity prices remain volatile.To address long-term price stability, the government has proposed:
✔ Developing climate-resilient crops
✔ Enhancing data systems for price monitoring
✔ Minimizing crop damage
✔ Reducing post-harvest losses
Mission to Boost Pulse Production
In a major policy move, the government on Saturday announced a six-year mission aimed at increasing pulse production. The initiative focuses on achieving self-sufficiency in three key pulses – tur, urad, and masoor, reducing dependency on imports and stabilizing prices.With climate challenges continuing to impact agriculture, building resilience in India’s food supply chain remains a top priority for policymakers.
Last updated by a enewsx: