{
  "id": 18032032,
  "title": "Weak monsoon threatens India’s farm output and economic recovery",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/weak-monsoon-threatens-indias-farm-output-and-economic-recovery",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-11-03T21:28:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Qatar Tribune Business",
    "slug": "qatar-tribune-business",
    "url": "https://www.qatar-tribune.com/article/262458/business/weak-monsoon-threatens-indias-farm-output-and-economic-recovery"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A weak monsoon in India is jeopardizing farm output and the ongoing economic recovery. Amarsingh Gushinge, a farmer, expresses disappointment over dwindling water supplies, making it difficult to sow winter crops like wheat and chickpeas. Millions of farmers, particularly in southern and western India, are grappling with water shortages as they prepare to plant their crops. The Jalna district, near Gushinge's village, has received about 48% less rain than average this year, according to local weather reports. A weak monsoon means farmers will need to sow winter crops under less favorable conditions, increasing the risk of stunted growth and lower yields. This could further fuel food inflation, with prices of sugar, pulses, wheat, and rice already surging due to a severe El Niño. Staple foods like onions, milk, and poultry products are also becoming more expensive, which could anger millions and exacerbate rural demand issues. The central bank may raise interest rates by 50-75 basis points, as high food prices can feed into broader price pressures. Food inflation is expected to reach around 10% in the October-December quarter, with animal protein and spices contributing significantly to the increase. The central bank has already raised rates in October and is likely to do so again in December. Higher food prices may force lower-income households to alter their diets, impacting long-term health. While India has surplus stocks of rice and wheat, the prices of premium quality grains remain tight due to low supplies, primarily caused by dry weather and El Niño's impact.",
  "summary": "AgenciesIndian farmer Amarsingh Gushinge wants to sow wheat and chickpeas in coming weeks to capitalize on attractive prices, but dwindling water supplies after below-average monso...",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Business Standard IN",
        "title": "India targets ₹3 trillion defence output, ₹50,000 crore exports by 2029",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/03/india-targets-3-trillion-defence-output-50-000-crore-exports-by-2029",
        "published": "2026-11-03T11:24:02.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}