March 2025 Heat Forecast and Wheat Crop Risk
Why in the news
The weather office said March 2025 would be hotter than usual in most regions, raising fears for standing winter crops and wheat supply.
Key facts
- Crops at risk: wheat, chickpea, rapeseed.
- Heat stress: central India, northern parts of southern India, pockets of the east and northeast.
- Wheat: a fourth poor harvest in a row is feared; prices hit record highs in February.
- Policy options: cut or scrap the 40% import duty for private traders; keep the export ban into the next fiscal year.
Reservoirs
| Indicator | Status |
|---|---|
| CWC-monitored reservoirs | 155 |
| Live storage | 180.85 BCM (70.15% of capacity) |
| Versus last year / normal | 119% / 115% |
| Weak spots | Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan |
Exam angle
- CWC monitors reservoir storage, measured in BCM.
- Rabi crops named: wheat, chickpea, rapeseed.