Food sovereignty

Earlier assessments have similarly stressed that without accelerated action, high levels of hunger could persist for generations in the most affected regions.

Health officials have acknowledged that traditional approaches have not fully resolved the stunting puzzle and are exploring new measures.

RBI sources maintain that India’s inflation remains moderate by historical standards and well within the RBI’s tolerance band, yet the steady upward climb since early 2026 and the sharp food contribution have returned price stability to the centre of the policy conversation.

Analyses have flagged the potential for El Niño to push food inflation into double digits in import-dependent economies, compounding pressures on households still recovering from earlier crises.

Chouhan said expanding market access in this way can deliver better returns to farmers while advancing India’s goal of emerging as a major global food basket.

The combination of a 15 per cent national deficit, a 28 per cent southern shortfall and the monsoon’s early withdrawal has turned what was once a forecast risk into a lived crisis for millions dependent on rainfed agriculture.

WFP continues to monitor markets weekly and monthly through third-party data collection in all provincial capitals.

As detailed assessments continue and reconstruction plans take shape, the focus on agriculture and livestock remains critical.