El Nino Affected Kharif Crops Production Across India, ICAR Study Finds

Key points

• El Nino Affected Kharif Crops Production Across India, ICAR Study Finds Published By, Last Updated: May 19, 2026, 23:40 IST ICAR study finds El Nino cut paddy and maize yields over 10 percent in many districts and key states.
• The research showed that paddy yields declined by more than 10% in 77 districts.
• (Image: Representative/PTI/File) A study conducted by scientists at the ICAR institute has found that El Niño conditions have significantly affected the production of major kharif crops across several districts in India.
• The research showed that paddy yields declined by more than 10% in 77 districts, while maize production saw a similar fall in 65 districts during El Niño years.
• Over 77 Districts Saw Sharp Paddy Yield Decline During El Niño: Study The impact was particularly severe in major rice-growing states such as Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Odisha.