Unseasonal snowfall and heavy rains have hit Himachal Pradesh in April, raising alarms among farmers and residents. Experts link the unusual weather to the El Niño effect, which is disrupting normal climate cycles. Crops are at risk, livelihoods are under threat, and the sudden shift highlights how vulnerable hill states are to climate variability. Farmers now fear significant losses as weather patterns grow increasingly unpredictable.


El Nino Shock: Himachal Sees Rare April Snow, Farmers Fear Losses 

In pics | Heavy rains, floods wreak havoc in towns across East Africa

Global sugar prices soared to their highest level in almost 13 years in September due to the El Nino weather phenomenon in India and Thailand, the UN food agency said on Friday (Oct 6), while noting that the overall food index was mostly stable nevertheless.

Declines in indices for vegetable oils, dairy and meat offset the surge in sugar and maize prices, said Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

World food price index

According to the UN food agency, the price index which tracks the most globally traded food commodities averaged an estimated 121.5 points in September against the revised 121.6 for August, which previously stood at 121.4 points.&nbsp;

As per Reuters, last month’s figure was 10.7 per cent down year-on-year and 24 per cent below the all-time high reached in March 2022, after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-to-cap-sugar-exports-until-h1-2024-as-el-nino-looms-report-603565">India to cap sugar exports until H1 2024 as El Nino looms: Report</a>

The UN food agency’s cereal index rose 1.0 per cent from the previous month with prices in maize rising as much as seven per cent which has been attributed to a strong demand for Brazilian supplies and slower selling in Argentina as well as an increased barge freight rates in the United States.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, international wheat prices dropped by 1.6 per cent after Russia showed strong supplies and good production prospects, according to the FAO. The price for rice had skyrocketed nearly 10 per cent in August only dipping 0.5 per cent last month amid low import demand.&nbsp;

The UN food agency also noted a drop in the prices of dairy products by 2.3 per cent marking a ninth successive monthly fall which has been attributed to low global import demand and ample stocks.&nbsp;

The FAO has also forecasted the world cereal production this year at 2.819 billion tonnes slightly over the previous estimate of 2.815 billion. This is almost entirely driven by more positive yield estimates for Russia and Ukraine due to continued favourable weather conditions, said the UN food agency.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/financial-institutions-on-high-alert-as-el-nino-poses-risk-to-farm-loans-says-report-606351">Financial Institutions on high alert as El Nino poses risk to farm loans, says report&nbsp;</a>

<h2>Global sugar prices hit 13-year high</h2>

While the food prices across the world steadied, the FAO noted that their Sugar Price Index jumped by 9.8 per cent in September when compared to the month before that, reaching the highest point since November 2010.&nbsp;

This surge has been attributed to the El Nino weather phenomenon which has affected the production in India and Thailand. The climate pattern is often marked by warming ocean surface temperatures and extreme weather events.&nbsp;

The rise in FAO’s Sugar Price Index for a second consecutive month has also raised concerns over a tighter global supply outlook in the upcoming season.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-declares-onset-of-el-nino-says-itll-break-temperature-records-611836">UN declares onset of El Nino, says it'll break temperature records</a>

“This mainly reflects early forecasts pointing to production declines in key sugar producers, Thailand and India, due to drier-than-normal weather conditions associated with the prevailing El Nino event,” said the FAO.&nbsp;

“Higher international crude oil prices also contributed to the increase in world sugar prices,” it added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Global sugar prices soared to their highest level in almost 13 years in September due to the El Nino weather phenomenon in India and Thailand, the UN food agency said on Friday (Oct 6), while noting that the overall food index was mostly stable nevertheless.

Global sugar prices soared to their highest level in almost 13 years in September due to the El Nino weather phenomenon in India and Thailand, the UN food agency said on Friday (Oct 6), while noting that the overall food index was mostly stable nevertheless. Declines in indices for vegetable oils, dairy and meat offset the surge in sugar and maize prices, said Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). World food price index According to the UN food agency, the price index which tracks the most globally traded food commodities averaged an estimated 121.5 points in September against the revised 121.6 for August, which previously stood at 121.4 points. As per Reuters, last month’s figure was 10.7 per cent down year-on-year and 24 per cent below the all-time high reached in March 2022, after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. ALSO READ | India to cap sugar exports until H1 2024 as El Nino looms: Report The UN food agency’s cereal index rose 1.0 per cent from the previous month with prices in maize rising as much as seven per cent which has been attributed to a strong demand for Brazilian supplies and slower selling in Argentina as well as an increased barge freight rates in the United States. Meanwhile, international wheat prices dropped by 1.6 per cent after Russia showed strong supplies and good production prospects, according to the FAO. The price for rice had skyrocketed nearly 10 per cent in August only dipping 0.5 per cent last month amid low import demand. The UN food agency also noted a drop in the prices of dairy products by 2.3 per cent marking a ninth successive monthly fall which has been attributed to low global import demand and ample stocks. The FAO has also forecasted the world cereal production this year at 2.819 billion tonnes slightly over the previous estimate of 2.815 billion. This is almost entirely driven by more positive yield estimates for Russia and Ukraine due to continued favourable weather conditions, said the UN food agency. ALSO READ | Financial Institutions on high alert as El Nino poses risk to farm loans, says report Global sugar prices hit 13-year high While the food prices across the world steadied, the FAO noted that their Sugar Price Index jumped by 9.8 per cent in September when compared to the month before that, reaching the highest point since November 2010. This surge has been attributed to the El Nino weather phenomenon which has affected the production in India and Thailand. The climate pattern is often marked by warming ocean surface temperatures and extreme weather events. The rise in FAO’s Sugar Price Index for a second consecutive month has also raised concerns over a tighter global supply outlook in the upcoming season. ALSO READ | UN declares onset of El Nino, says it'll break temperature records “This mainly reflects early forecasts pointing to production declines in key sugar producers, Thailand and India, due to drier-than-normal weather conditions associated with the prevailing El Nino event,” said the FAO. “Higher international crude oil prices also contributed to the increase in world sugar prices,” it added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

World sugar prices hit 13-year high in Sep due to El Nino; food price index 'mostly stable': FAO

India is poised to witness the driest monsoon rains in eight years, with the El Nino weather pattern limiting September precipitation following an August that is on track to be the driest in more than a century, two meteorological department officials told Reuters.

The monsoon, which is critical to India's $3 trillion economy, provides over 70 percent of the rain required to hydrate crops and replenish reservoirs and aquifers. Nearly half of the farmland in the world's most populous nation lacks irrigation.

The summer rainfall shortage might raise the cost of staples like sugar, legumes, rice, and vegetables, as well as total food inflation, which reached its highest level since January 2020 in July.

Additionally, lower output may also lead India, the world's second-largest producer of rice, wheat, and sugar, to place more restrictions on these commodities' exports.

"El Nino dampened rainfall in August, and it will have a negative impact on rainfall in September," said a senior official with the India Meteorological Department (IMD).&nbsp;

Furthermore, on August 31, Indian meteorological officials are anticipated to release their September forecast.

El Nino's Effect

The IMD predicted a 4 per cent rainfall shortfall for the season in its most recent full-season projection on May 26, assuming a minor influence from the El Nino weather pattern.

El Nino is a warming of the Pacific seas that is often followed by drier weather across the Indian subcontinent. The current monsoon has been inconsistent, with June rainfall 9 percent below normal and July rains 13 percent above average.

The erratic distribution of monsoon rains has led India, the world's largest rice exporter, to limit rice shipments, impose a 40 per cent duty on onion exports, permit duty-free imports of pulses, and possibly prohibit sugar exports.

"India is on track to conclude the June-September monsoon season with a rainfall shortfall of at least 8 per cent, the most since 2015, when El Nino also reduced precipitation", according to the official cited by Reuters.

The southwest monsoon will begin to recede across northern India on or before September 17, according to another IMD official. He claims that the previous four Septembers have had above-average rainfall due to the monsoon's delayed exit.

"Northern and eastern states may experience below-normal rainfall in September. However, rain may return to the southern peninsula", according to the second official quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;

(Inputs from Reuters)

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India is poised to witness the driest monsoon rains in eight years, with the El Nino weather pattern limiting September precipitation following an August that is on track to be the driest in more than a century, two meteorological department officials told Reuters.

India is poised to witness the driest monsoon rains in eight years, with the El Nino weather pattern limiting September precipitation following an August that is on track to be the driest in more than a century, two meteorological department officials told Reuters. The monsoon, which is critical to India's $3 trillion economy, provides over 70 percent of the rain required to hydrate crops and replenish reservoirs and aquifers. Nearly half of the farmland in the world's most populous nation lacks irrigation. The summer rainfall shortage might raise the cost of staples like sugar, legumes, rice, and vegetables, as well as total food inflation, which reached its highest level since January 2020 in July. Additionally, lower output may also lead India, the world's second-largest producer of rice, wheat, and sugar, to place more restrictions on these commodities' exports. "El Nino dampened rainfall in August, and it will have a negative impact on rainfall in September," said a senior official with the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Furthermore, on August 31, Indian meteorological officials are anticipated to release their September forecast. El Nino's Effect The IMD predicted a 4 per cent rainfall shortfall for the season in its most recent full-season projection on May 26, assuming a minor influence from the El Nino weather pattern. El Nino is a warming of the Pacific seas that is often followed by drier weather across the Indian subcontinent. The current monsoon has been inconsistent, with June rainfall 9 percent below normal and July rains 13 percent above average. The erratic distribution of monsoon rains has led India, the world's largest rice exporter, to limit rice shipments, impose a 40 per cent duty on onion exports, permit duty-free imports of pulses, and possibly prohibit sugar exports. "India is on track to conclude the June-September monsoon season with a rainfall shortfall of at least 8 per cent, the most since 2015, when El Nino also reduced precipitation", according to the official cited by Reuters. The southwest monsoon will begin to recede across northern India on or before September 17, according to another IMD official. He claims that the previous four Septembers have had above-average rainfall due to the monsoon's delayed exit. "Northern and eastern states may experience below-normal rainfall in September. However, rain may return to the southern peninsula", according to the second official quoted by Reuters. (Inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India nearing 8-year low in monsoon rainfall: Sources

Koh Samui, a popular tourist destination located off the east coast of Thailand is facing an acute water shortage. Located in the&nbsp;Chumphon archipelago, authorities are working overtime to ensure that the island, famous for its white sandy beaches, scenic temples and luxury resorts -&nbsp;does not become a 'disaster zone'.&nbsp;

Lack of rain and a large influx of tourists are being dubbed as the primary reasons for the precarious situation. Sutham Samthong, a deputy mayor of Koh Samui has urged the public to use supplies sparingly to get through the difficult period.&nbsp;

“I would like to ask people to save water, use it sparingly. If we help each other, we can go through this,” said Samthong.

“We are not complacent. We are trying to solve the situation. We don’t want the provincial or upper [administration] to announce that Koh Samui is a disaster zone,” he added.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/twitters-ultimatum-to-tweetdeck-users-verification-required-in-these-many-days-611590">Also read |&nbsp;Twitter's ultimatum to TweetDeck users, verification required in these many days</a>

There has been a drastic reduction in the water levels of&nbsp;the Phru Na Muang and Phru Krajud reservoirs and the Hin Lard waterfall, which has contributed to the current predicament. If the water supplies are not sorted quickly, the island only has enough&nbsp;local freshwater supplies for residents for just 30 days.

Currently, the locals are being forced to shell out as much as 250 to 300 baht ($7-$8.5)&nbsp;for about 2,000 litres of water for daily use.&nbsp;

Samthong states that the island needs 30,000 cubic metres of water a day. The authorities are working to bring&nbsp;24,000 cubic metres through&nbsp;an underwater pipeline from Surat Thani on the mainland, while reservoir supplies would be used for the remaining amount. An additional 30,000 cubic metres is also expected to be brought in the boost the supplies, according to&nbsp;Provincial Waterworks Authority.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/explainer-the-high-cost-of-el-nino-in-2023-609183">WATCH |&nbsp;Explainer: the high cost of El Nino in 2023</a>

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<h2>Tourism could be affected</h2>

Despite authorities fetching water from different sources, the problems could compound due to the El Nino phenomenon, which may lead to even less rain for the island.&nbsp;

The tourist spot has welcomed over one million foreign tourists in the past five months. The water supply crunch could put the entire hospitality industry in jeopardy which had only recently started to recoup the losses suffered during the pandemic.&nbsp;

According to a report in the Guardian, during the pandemic, the number of rooms available on the island, including in hotels and villas fell to just 5,000. However, it has since recovered to 25,000, the same level as 2019.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Koh Samui, a popular tourist destination located off the east coast of Thailand is facing an acute water shortage. Located in the Chumphon archipelago, authorities are working overtime to ensure that the island, famous for its white sandy beaches, scenic temples and luxury resorts - does not become a 'disaster zone'.

Koh Samui, a popular tourist destination located off the east coast of Thailand is facing an acute water shortage. Located in the Chumphon archipelago, authorities are working overtime to ensure that the island, famous for its white sandy beaches, scenic temples and luxury resorts - does not become a 'disaster zone'. Lack of rain and a large influx of tourists are being dubbed as the primary reasons for the precarious situation. Sutham Samthong, a deputy mayor of Koh Samui has urged the public to use supplies sparingly to get through the difficult period. “I would like to ask people to save water, use it sparingly. If we help each other, we can go through this,” said Samthong. “We are not complacent. We are trying to solve the situation. We don’t want the provincial or upper [administration] to announce that Koh Samui is a disaster zone,” he added. Also read | Twitter's ultimatum to TweetDeck users, verification required in these many days There has been a drastic reduction in the water levels of the Phru Na Muang and Phru Krajud reservoirs and the Hin Lard waterfall, which has contributed to the current predicament. If the water supplies are not sorted quickly, the island only has enough local freshwater supplies for residents for just 30 days. Currently, the locals are being forced to shell out as much as 250 to 300 baht ($7-$8.5) for about 2,000 litres of water for daily use. Samthong states that the island needs 30,000 cubic metres of water a day. The authorities are working to bring 24,000 cubic metres through an underwater pipeline from Surat Thani on the mainland, while reservoir supplies would be used for the remaining amount. An additional 30,000 cubic metres is also expected to be brought in the boost the supplies, according to Provincial Waterworks Authority. WATCH | Explainer: the high cost of El Nino in 2023 × Tourism could be affected Despite authorities fetching water from different sources, the problems could compound due to the El Nino phenomenon, which may lead to even less rain for the island. The tourist spot has welcomed over one million foreign tourists in the past five months. The water supply crunch could put the entire hospitality industry in jeopardy which had only recently started to recoup the losses suffered during the pandemic. According to a report in the Guardian, during the pandemic, the number of rooms available on the island, including in hotels and villas fell to just 5,000. However, it has since recovered to 25,000, the same level as 2019. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Popular Thai island Koh Samui facing existential crisis as water runs out

Australia's bureau of meteorology declares El Niño alert, raises its likelihood to 70%.

El Nino could hit Wheat production in Australia | WION Climate Tracker

Weather changes due to the El Nino effect, which warms the environment and causes droughts, floods and heatwaves across the world, comes with a huge economic cost. A new study published in the journal 'science' states that El Nino on an average cost the world 3.4 trillion dollars.

El Nino costs the world over $3 trillion

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