Impacts on agriculture, reservoirs and inflation
India recorded above-average rainfall during the June–September monsoon for a second straight year, the national weather office told Reuters. The rains replenished reservoirs and eased groundwater stress in several states, improving sowing conditions for winter crops such as wheat and rapeseed. Traders expect better soil moisture to support yields, though localized flooding damaged fields and transport in some districts. Food-price watchers will track whether improved supply eases inflation pressures that have weighed on households.
Energy mix and hydropower outlook
Enhanced inflows could lift hydro generation and reduce short-term coal burn, offering a brief reprieve to utilities coping with surging summer demand. Power planners, however, warn that variability between regions remains high; robust grid management and storage will be needed to capture seasonal gains. Commodity markets also reacted, with expectations of steadier sugar output after recent El Niño swings. Longer term, agronomists say irrigation modernization and climate-resilient seeds remain crucial to buffer erratic monsoons.