Sugar 10% expensive in 20 days due to Super El Niño: Milk and flour 6%; The impact could last until 2027; Sugarcane crop also affected.

The impact of super El Niño, which weakens the monsoon, has now started to be seen on food as well. In the last 20 days, the price of one kilogram of sugar has increased by 10.16%, milk by 6.12%, pulses by 4.68% and flour by 6.67%. The Meteorological Department says that the impact of Super El Nino will be at its peak in December and its impact may last till the end of next summer. That is, crop production is more likely to be affected by June 2027. Rising food prices and weather forecasts have increased the concern of the food industry. Bimal Kothari, president of the Indian Pulses and Grains Association, said, "We are stressed about the situation in 2027. Drought conditions in Maharashtra and Karnataka may pose a challenge for the Rabi chickpea crop. Sugarcane crop may also be affected. Atul Chaturvedi, director of Shree Renuka Sugar, has expressed concern over serious threats to the production of soybean and groundnut. Sugar mill prices likely to go up by 30% According to Dilip Patil of the Indian Federation of Grain Energy, both the production and availability of sugar may remain a challenge in the next two years till the end of the financial year 2027-28. At present, the mill price of sugar is Rs 42 per kg, while sugar is being sold up to Rs 55 in the retail market. Mill prices may increase by up to 30% from June to October 2027. What is El Nino and why it occurs In the equatorial region of the Pacific Ocean, when the sea winds weaken, the waters off the coast of South America start to get abnormally hot. The warming phenomenon of sea water is called El Nino. It disrupts the weather around the world by changing the pattern of global winds and clouds. 21% less water in reservoirs than last year Kharif sowing was 1.7% lower till August. According to ICRA, the area under cultivation may decrease by 2%. Low rainfall, high temperatures and El Niño have reduced the moisture of the soil. This will lead to a decrease in yields. According to experts' estimates, rice production may fall to 140 million tonnes. That is, 6.5% less than last year. Rabi sowing will start from October. The availability of water for early irrigation is poor. ICRA has termed the decline in water storage in north and south India as a threat to Rabi. Crops like wheat, gram will be under pressure. There is 131.17 billion cubic meters of water in 178 major reservoirs. 21% less than last year. This will have two effects on electricity. First, there will be a risk of reducing the contribution of hydro in the supply of electricity. Second, the demand for electricity will increase.