### Heatwaves Threaten India's Farms and Factories as Summer Arrives Early
As India faces its hottest February in 125 years, farmers and manufacturers scramble to adapt, raising concerns over food security and economic stability.
A shorter winter has left businesses like clothing manufacturers struggling as early summer hits India. Nitin Goel, whose family has been in the textile business for decades, reports a drastic decline in sales as they pivot from winter apparel to summer goods. With temperatures soaring, Goel states that retail clients are hesitant to pick up confirmed orders, forcing him to offer substantial discounts. This shift is not just affecting textiles; the heat is wreaking havoc on agriculture too, particularly on the production of Alphonso mangoes, where output is expected to drop to only 30% of normal. While the government downplays these concerns, experts warn that heat-related challenges could lead to significant crop failures, increased prices, and a potential economic downturn. With nearly 75% of Indian districts facing extreme weather events and a significant loss in labor productivity predicted, urgent measures are needed to mitigate the impacts of climate change on India’s agricultural landscape.
As India faces its hottest February in 125 years, farmers and manufacturers scramble to adapt, raising concerns over food security and economic stability.
A shorter winter has left businesses like clothing manufacturers struggling as early summer hits India. Nitin Goel, whose family has been in the textile business for decades, reports a drastic decline in sales as they pivot from winter apparel to summer goods. With temperatures soaring, Goel states that retail clients are hesitant to pick up confirmed orders, forcing him to offer substantial discounts. This shift is not just affecting textiles; the heat is wreaking havoc on agriculture too, particularly on the production of Alphonso mangoes, where output is expected to drop to only 30% of normal. While the government downplays these concerns, experts warn that heat-related challenges could lead to significant crop failures, increased prices, and a potential economic downturn. With nearly 75% of Indian districts facing extreme weather events and a significant loss in labor productivity predicted, urgent measures are needed to mitigate the impacts of climate change on India’s agricultural landscape.
