Achi news desk-
As temperatures rise, the risk of food spoilage increases rapidly. Inadequate cold storage facilities increase the possibilities of fruit and vegetable spoilage due to heat damage. In addition, the milk supply depletes faster in hot weather, which increases the dependence on milk powder or stored milk, hence affecting their supply and prices.
Image credit: Freepik
The year started with a promising start regarding the monsoon, but now, the harsh intensity of the summer heat is worrying everyone. This heat is expected to affect us negatively not only physically, but also financially.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), there will be over 10-20 days of extreme heat wave between April and June, which is twice the number recorded last year. It is expected to reach unprecedented levels and set new temperature records. Scientists warn that these extreme conditions will make it difficult for humans to survive normally.
Experts also fear a reduced supply of some essential goods such as wheat, coffee, dairy products and even the expensive fish Hilsa. However, wheat, a key grain, was largely spared from this intense summer heat. Most of the crop has been harvested or is in a growth stage less susceptible to heat-related crop losses.
Not only the price, but also the taste of your food is going to be a bit different due to extremely hot weather, irrespective of your palate being vegetarian or non-vegetarian. There could be an expected change in the supply chain and an increase in price.
The connection between heat and increasing food costs is simple – when the wheat crops begin to wither and fail, it is safe to say that the price of flour will rise.
Effects of increasing temperature on wheat
The upcoming hot season is expected to have a significant impact on staples such as wheat and vegetables. The effects are already showing since March.
As reported by the Business Standard, recent research by Uncharted Waters suggests that a cold winter followed by a warm spring can lead to a significant drop in wheat yields, potentially as much as 20% in major wheat-producing countries. This reduction is particularly high compared to years that experienced consistently warmer or colder temperatures.
The conclusion of the study is that this decrease may result in a 5-10% reduction in total wheat production. Wheat is usually cultivated during the winter months, until late spring, before high temperatures can adversely affect grain filling and suppress yields. However, if the wheat is planted late or experiences slower growth due to lower than average temperatures, along with the early arrival of summer heat, it can cause significant damage to the crop.
The positive aspect is that this year, the wheat crop has already matured, so the temperature has not affected it much in many areas.
However, the wheat crop may fall prey to excessive rains, hailstorms and global warming or thunderstorms.
As temperatures rise, the risk of food spoilage increases rapidly. Inadequate cold storage facilities increase the possibilities of fruit and vegetable spoilage due to heat damage. In addition, the milk supply depletes faster in hot weather, which increases the dependence on milk powder or stored milk, hence affecting their supply and prices.
The rise in temperatures poses a significant risk of water shortage for cattle, which may lead to a decrease in milk supply this year. The expected heat wave is expected to take a toll on water availability, and affect the entire dairy industry. As a result, the dairy sector will become increasingly reliant on stocks of skimmed milk powder (SMP) to meet fixed requirements.
Fisheries in India will also be affected by the heat waves, according to one of its assessment reports, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) stated that the adverse effects of climate change will result in reduced production of commercial fish species such as Hilsa and Bombay Duck.
Robusta coffee prices in India have soared to an unprecedented level, surpassing Rs 10,000 per 50 kg bag, amid shrinking supplies. Production this year has been challenged by erratic rains, drought and heat waves caused by El Nino. With global supplies under pressure, Indian markets experienced a surge in anticipation of rising demand.India ranks as the sixth largest producer of coffee in the world.
Indian agriculture sector under heat wave
The high temperatures and heat waves disproportionately affected farmers, especially those with limited shelter from the intense heat, leading to their crops withering under the scorching sun. According to experts, climate change will exacerbate price increases in food crops in India.
The Business Standard report highlighted that between May and June last year, the prices of typical food items nearly tripled. Looking ahead, an IPCC analysis warned that yields of rice, wheat, pulses, coarse grains and cereals could decline by almost 9% by 2050. In addition, maize yields in the southern regions of the country could drop by almost 17%.
“These disruptions to crop production are expected to cause price increases in India, threatening food affordability, food security and economic growth,” IPCC was quoted as saying.
The Government of India is actively working to implement strategies and initiatives on the ground to promote climate resilient agriculture. One of these initiatives is the National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA), which is one of the eight missions outlined in India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change. The mission also aims to improve productivity, sustainability, profitability and resilience to climate change in agriculture. Its main objective is to enable Indian farmers to prosper while meeting the demands of an expanding population.
While a variety of factors, including supply chain disruptions and labor shortages, have contributed to this increase, the intensifying heat will continue to raise food prices, with the situation expected to deteriorate further.
Published: April 22, 2024, 8:17 PM IST
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