Unseasonal rains may cut India’s wheat output

India’s wheat production could decline by more than 1% from the initial estimate of 120 million tonnes due to adverse weather conditions. According to a preliminary survey by private agency Agriwatch, commissioned by the Roller Flour Millers’ Federation of India, unseasonal rainfall has affected key wheat-growing regions.

In particular, four districts across Punjab, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh may see production losses of 10–15%. Additionally, 21 districts across five states have reported crop damage in the range of 5–10%. Uttar Pradesh has been the most affected state, with varying degrees of damage recorded in more than 20 districts.

At the national level, overall yield losses are estimated at 1–1.5%, while in the hardest-hit states they could reach 2–3%. This raises concerns about achieving the record harvest previously forecast by the government at over 120 million tonnes.

According to the India Meteorological Department, heavy rains and sporadic hailstorms were recorded between March 11 and 22 across major wheat-producing states. While damage in regions such as West Bengal and Gujarat was minimal, the overall impact on the country’s wheat crop remains significant.

Tags: wheat, India, crop condition, crop forecast