IMD Forecasts Below-Normal Monsoon 2026 Due to ENSO, Underlining India's Water Stress and Need for Circular Water Economy

Monsoon Revival: Rainfall Deficiency Drops to 11.5%, Kharif Sowing Gap Narrows to 2.9%

The monsoon has revived significantly, reducing cumulative rainfall deficiency from 22.8% to 11.5% and narrowing the kharif sowing gap from 20.8% to 2.9%. However, El Niño is strengthening into a 'very strong' event, posing a serious threat to the upcoming rabi season. Proactive supply-side management will be crucial for food security.

Maharashtra Drought Declared in 75% Tehsils, Monsoon Deficit 11.9% Raises Rabi Crop Concerns

Maharashtra has declared drought in nearly three-fourths of its tehsils, with the southwest monsoon ending 11.9% below average. The article warns of a poor rabi harvest due to depleted water reserves and a strong El Niño, urging duty-free imports of all pulses to manage food supply.

Kharif Sowing Recovers to 894.22 lh (2.9% Gap), El Niño Threat Looms Over Rabi Crops

Despite a strengthening El Niño, July monsoon revived with 2.4% above LPA rainfall, narrowing kharif sowing gap to 2.9% below last year. However, El Niño is expected to become very strong by Oct-Dec 2026, with lagged effects threatening rabi crops and global food prices, especially vegetable oils. India's food stocks remain adequate but inflation risks persist.

India's First Farmer Carbon Credit Payout: ₹2.5 Crore Distributed to 2,500 Farmers in Punjab & Haryana

For the first time in India, ~2,500 farmers in Punjab and Haryana have received carbon credit payments (totaling ₹2.5 crore) for adopting climate-smart agricultural practices like reducing stubble burning and economizing fertilizer use. This marks a major shift from penalizing stubble burning to economically rewarding sustainable farming, with satellite monitoring and ICAR-backed verification.

E20 Ethanol Blending Nears 20% in 2025: Water Footprint of 2,000-3,500 Litres per Litre Raises Sustainability Concerns

India's ambitious E20 ethanol blending programme—up from 1.5% in 2013–14 to nearly 20% in 2025—has reduced oil dependence but also hides serious environmental costs. Experts argue that without counting the huge water footprint of sugarcane ethanol, fossil-energy inputs, and vehicle compatibility issues, the policy risks replacing imported oil dependence with freshwater insecurity.

India's E20 Push: ₹2 Lakh Cr Forex Saved, But 77% Legacy Vehicles Face Damage Risks

India's ethanol blending programme has saved ₹2 lakh crore in foreign exchange and substituted 32 million tonnes of crude oil, but faces pushback over vehicle damage concerns for 77% of pre-2023 vehicles. The policy involves diversion of maize, FCI rice, and sugarcane juice for ethanol production, with potential food security risks during monsoon failure.

National Bamboo Mission: 13.96 Mn Ha Bamboo, 136 Species, Rs 28,005 Cr Industry – Green Gold Potential

Bamboo, 'Green Gold', offers rapid growth, soil stabilisation, and carbon sequestration. India has the world's largest bamboo area (13.96 Mn Ha) but low productivity vs China. The National Bamboo Mission (NBM) aims to strengthen the value chain, but challenges like poor connectivity and low yield persist. This article is a must-read for Environment, Agriculture, and Economy segments.

PM-KUSUM 2.0: Grid-Connected Solar Models Can Curb Groundwater Over-Exploitation

India’s PM-KUSUM scheme has installed 2.5 million solar pumps, raising concerns over groundwater depletion. However, the real issue is not solar irrigation itself but the model deployed. Grid-connected systems with feed-in tariffs and fee-for-service models can incentivize water conservation, while standalone pumps are better for rainfed eastern India. PM-KUSUM 2.0 must adopt a differentiated regional approach.