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News 12 of 23

Monsoon Forecast 92% LPA, Fertilizer Supply Shock from West Asia, Calls for ₹5,000/Acre Direct Income Support

AgricultureEconomyEnvironmentHIGH
Target:UPSC GS-IIIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link
26 Apr 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:Monsoon forecast 92% LPAProposed ₹5,000 per acre support1/3 global seaborne fertilizer trade affected
Bodies:India Meteorological Department (IMD)
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What This Article Covers

1.The India Meteorological Department forecasts a below-normal monsoon at 92% of the Long Period Average for June-September.

2.A supply shock in fertilizers (urea, DAP) and raw materials due to the Strait of Hormuz closure and export restrictions by Russia and China threatens crop yields.

3.The article proposes deregulating fertilizer prices and replacing subsidies with a direct income support of ₹5,000 per acre, merging funds from fertilizer subsidy and PM-Kisan.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

Indian agriculture faces a dual threat in the upcoming 2026-27 season: a forecasted 'below normal' monsoon and an unprecedented supply shock in fertilizers due to the West Asia conflict. This crisis presents an opportunity for structural reforms, including a shift from product-based subsidies to a proposed flat direct income support of ₹5,000 per acre for all farmers.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

Monsoon Forecast 202692% of Long Period Average (LPA)
Proposed Direct Support₹5,000 per acre
Key Fertilizer DisruptedUrea & DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate)
Global Trade Affected1/3 of seaborne fertilizer trade

1-Minute Revision

  • ›Monsoon Forecast 2026: 92% of Long Period Average (LPA)
  • ›Proposed Direct Support: ₹5,000 per acre
  • ›Target this Data: Monsoon forecast for 2026 is 92% of the Long Period Average (LPA).
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: India Meteorological Department (IMD) issues monsoon forecasts.
  • ›Target this Proposal: Shift to a flat direct income support of ₹5,000 per acre for farmers.

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Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which organization is responsible for issuing the official monsoon forecast for India?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements regarding the challenges highlighted in the article for the 2026-27 agricultural year:

1. The India Meteorological Department has forecast a 'below normal' monsoon with rainfall at 92% of the long period average.

2. The current crisis in fertilizer availability is described as a price shock, similar to the one experienced in 2021-22.

3. A key reform suggested is to replace the existing fertilizer subsidy with a flat per-acre payment of ₹5,000 for all cultivating farmers.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

According to the article, what is the proposed amount for the flat per-acre direct income support to replace fertilizer subsidies?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary reason cited in the article for the ongoing fertilizer crisis being more severe than previous ones?

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