India readies for heat waves, eyes inflation, and election ramifications

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NEW DELHI, India, April 2: India is anticipated to face a surge in heat-wave days between April and June, posing significant challenges to agricultural output and potentially straining efforts to combat food inflation, announced the country’s weather office on Monday.

The looming heat wave, projected for the third consecutive year, stands to impact the production of vital crops such as wheat, rapeseed, and chickpeas, while also exacerbating the imbalance between power demand and supply during the scorching summer months. India, the world’s second-largest wheat producer, faces potential disruptions in agricultural activities due to the extreme weather conditions.

Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director-General of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), revealed in a virtual press briefing that various regions across the country could expect an increase in heat-wave days, ranging from 10 to 20 compared to the typical four to eight days.

The adverse weather conditions also cast a shadow over India’s forthcoming parliamentary elections, slated to be the world’s largest, commencing on April 19th and spanning nearly seven weeks. With nearly one billion eligible voters, concerns arise over the potential impact of heat waves on voter turnout and campaigning activities.

Kiren Rijiju, India’s Minister for Earth Sciences, emphasized the necessity for precautionary measures, especially during election rallies and public gatherings, to safeguard citizens from the sweltering temperatures.

As April unfolds, a critical period for winter-sown crops, Mohapatra warned of above-normal maximum temperatures across the nation, particularly affecting wheat cultivation. The central state of Madhya Pradesh, a key hub for wheat harvesting, faces heightened risks, while northern states brace for potential disruptions in the grain formation stage.

The specter of reduced wheat production looms large, reminiscent of the heat wave’s adverse impact in 2022, which prompted India to impose export bans on the staple grain.

Amidst the escalating power demand synonymous with the summer season, government measures are underway to mitigate potential disruptions in power supply. National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), a state-run entity, has been tasked with securing additional gas supplies to bolster energy production and ensure uninterrupted electricity provision nationwide.

As India grapples with the dual challenges of agricultural vulnerabilities and power supply constraints, concerted efforts are underway to navigate through the looming heat-wave onslaught and its multifaceted repercussions on the nation’s economy and societal well-being.

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