Climate instability is poised to capsize Indian agriculture

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Editor's note: Over the last few months, the Russia-Ukraine war has been at the centre of global attention. While the war itself remains a primary concern, the world is also worried about its ripple effect on the global economy. Two major concerns have been the impact on the global supply of fertilizers, of which Russia is the largest producer in the world, and agricultural commodities, most notably wheat. Together, Russia and Ukraine account for over 30% of the global exports of wheat, a staple in the diets of billions of people across the world. With concerns rising over its supply, the price of wheat has gone through the roof. Global prices are up 60% this year and hit a record high after India banned exports on 13 May as a heatwave hit production at home. The wheat story in India is taking a wrong, worrying turn. A delayed but extended winter followed by the early onset of an intense summer resulted in the virtual loss of spring and woke us up to the reality of climate change. And while urban India’s grouse …