{
  "id": 17048421,
  "title": "Strong El Nino in coming years can cut crop yields by up to 10%, says study on ASEAN agriculture",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/29/strong-el-nino-in-coming-years-can-cut-crop-yields-by-up-to-10-says",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-10-29T10:50:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Straits Times",
    "slug": "straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/strong-el-nino-in-coming-years-can-cut-crop-yields-by-up-to-10-says-study-on-asean-agriculture"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A recent study predicts that average crop production in Southeast Asia could drop by up to 10% during years with very strong El Nino events. Drier and hotter weather caused by the climate phenomenon is expected to impact rice production the most, out of the five major crops examined. The study, conducted jointly by the Singapore Food Agency and the National University of Singapore's Tropical Marine Science Institute, was presented at the 48th Meeting of the ASEAN Ministers on Agriculture and Forestry. Southeast Asia experiences more frequent and longer heatwaves in the coming years, although rainfall patterns may vary across locations and time. This leads to climate change affecting different regions of ASEAN in unique ways, with some areas facing heavier rainfall and flooding, while others endure prolonged dry spells or more drought stress. Adaptation measures must consider local conditions, crop types, and planting seasons. The study, initiated in 2024, utilized climate data and crop modeling to forecast changes in crop production in the region from 2025 to 2044. Rice, maize, and sugarcane are expected to see a decline in average crop production over the next two decades, while cassava and soybean yields could rise. However, even crops with more favorable projected yields remain vulnerable to climate-related risks, as their production might still suffer due to extreme weather conditions in specific years. Southeast Asia produces more than a quarter of the world's rice and 40% of international rice exports. Singapore's Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Grace Fu, emphasized that the study will enhance the collective understanding of ASEAN member states about climate risks facing their food systems and identify strategies to improve adaptation and resilience. As the chair of the 48th AMAF meeting, Singapore will propose a concept note for the Food Security Resilience Pact 2045, a long-term framework to strengthen the region in areas like food availability, climate adaptation, technology, supply chains, emergency preparedness, and financing.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}