Heatwave Hitting Asian Farms and Raising Food Prices

The summer heat in Asia is turning fields into dry patches, making it hard for farmers to plant and grow crops. \\ A strong El Nino wave is expected to make the drought worse, especially in places that rely on monsoon rains. \\ Farmers in India, Thailand, Indonesia and Australia are already struggling with lower rainfall and higher temperatures. \\ They must decide whether to plant late or skip the season, which could shrink harvests by a third or more. \\ The problem is not just water; shortages of fertilizer and diesel, caused by conflicts far away, add to the stress. \\ Because wheat and rice are key staples, even a small drop in production can push prices up. \\

Wheat has risen about 20 % this year, while rice in Southeast Asia is climbing around 15 %. \\ These hikes happen even though India, the biggest rice exporter, still holds a large surplus. \\ Some analysts say India might hold back exports if the monsoon falters, which would tighten global supplies. \\ In Australia, recent rains let growers start wheat late, but they fear another El Nino could cut yields further. \\ Overall, the weather pattern may keep Asian farmers in a tight spot for months, while consumers pay more at the market. \\ The global picture is complicated: some regions might see more rain, but Asia’s food security remains uncertain. \\

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