Icar to evaluate risks to rabi crops from La Niña-linked severe winters

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (Icar) will evaluate the potential risks to rabi crops from unusually cold conditions amid expectations of the return of La Nina that is associated with harsh winters.

- Vijay C. Roy [e-mail]

The comprehensive study across different crops and regions assumes significance given that rabi crops such as wheat and pulses account for around 45% of India's total foodgrain output.

“We came to know that this year, we may have a colder winter than usual. So, we would undertake a comprehensive study on the impact of colder season on different crops and different regions,” Icar director general, and department of agricultural research and education (Dare) secretary Mangi Lal Jat told Mint.

The director general of meteorology at India Meteorological Department (IMD) Mrutyunjay Mohapatra told Mint on Monday that the weather office would unveil a more definitive analysis by October-end.