As India had the hottest February since 1901 this year, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the country is likely to experience heat waves between March and May. The weather conditions could affect the key wheat-producing central and northern states.
According to the weather office, the average maximum temperature in February was 29.54 degrees Celsius, the highest since 1901, when the IMD started keeping weather records.
The country received 68% lower rainfall than the normal in February, the weather office was quoted by Reuters.
Meanwhile, there are fears that the heat wave for the second straight year could dent the production of wheat, rapeseed and chickpeas. This will play a spoilsport on government efforts to bring down food inflation.
While the temperature rise could strain India's power demand and supply, the heat wave could also affect wheat production. "In March, the crucial month for the maturity of winter-sown crops, above normal maximum temperatures, are likely over most parts of the country except peninsular India," the weather office said.
The forecast has added to the woes of traders as many fear this could result in yield loss since wheat is already witnessing stress due to high temperatures. This will have global implications since the lower output can result in export curbs. India is the second-biggest producer, just after China.
In 2022, the heat wave affected India's wheat production, forcing the government to go for an export ban. India grows only one wheat crop in a year, with planting in October and November and harvesting from March.
Warning
The Health Ministry has already warned that the country could see more frequent heat waves and the average temperatures, even during the monsoon season, have been rising.
"Temperatures have already touched unusual highs at some places in the country," India's health ministry said in a letter sent to all states and union territories on Tuesday. The government directed health departments across the country to implement "heat-related health action plans", added Reuters.