Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman assured that India will not face foodgrain shortages despite the impact of El Niño conditions on rainfall and agriculture. Speaking at the Mindmine Summit in New Delhi, she emphasized that the country has sufficient buffer stocks to meet domestic demand for at least a year, ensuring food security even if farm incomes come under stress.
The minister acknowledged that El Niño could affect rural consumption and farmers’ earnings, but reiterated that the government is prepared to manage supplies. She also flagged concerns over fertilizer availability, noting that several countries have restricted exports to safeguard their own needs. However, she confirmed that India has adequate fertilizer for the Kharif season and is securing supplies for the upcoming Rabi crops starting November 2026.
Sitharaman highlighted that while foodgrain availability is secure, the government remains vigilant about global market disruptions and their impact on rural households. She stressed that policy measures are in place to stabilize consumption trends and support farmers through potential challenges posed by erratic monsoon conditions.
