Southwest monsoon hit Kerala on June 4, three days late, with IMD forecasting rainfall at just 90% of long-period average — potentially the driest year since 2015's 86%. With kharif crops driving 60% of agri output and 75% of annual rainfall arriving via this system, rural FMCG, two-wheeler, tractor and gold demand face a soft H2.

The Hindu BusinessLine · 6/4/2026, 9:51:10 AM

HDFC Bank flags upside risk to its 5.1% FY27 CPI estimate as IMD forecasts a 10% rainfall deficit and El Nino conditions. With food at 37% of CPI and reservoirs at just 41% of live capacity, tomatoes, onions, milk and cereals face price pressure. El Nino years historically add 170 bps to food inflation.

Business Today · Latest · 5/30/2026, 2:05:55 AM

Weak monsoon forecast with 60% chance of deficient rainfall threatens rural incomes, food inflation control, and FY27 demand for autos, consumer durables and sugar. Air conditioners and power utilities may see upside. Agri-GVA could slip below 1.5% in FY27.

Forbes India · 5/29/2026, 1:37:22 PM

Maharashtra's $2.3B Alphonso industry is reeling as El Nino-driven weather wipes out 85-90% of Devgad's crop. Online grocery platforms are scrambling to source from alternate orchards, while shipping disruptions have doubled export costs to Dubai and Oman, threatening the $56M mango export trade.

Business Today · Latest · 5/27/2026, 4:49:13 AM