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India braces for heat waves in Q2, effect seen on inflation, election

India is most likely to experience more heatwave days than regular in between April and June, the weather office said on Monday, potentially striking agricultural production and hindering federal government efforts to bring down food inflation.

A heat wave for the third year in a row might dent production of wheat, rapeseed and chickpeas, and also lift power demand above supply during the summer season. India is the world's second largest wheat manufacturer.

In the April-June duration different parts of the nation could tape 10 to 20 heat-wave days compared to the typical 4 to 8 days, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, director-general of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), informed a virtual news conference.

The severe weather condition might also affect India's. parliamentary election, the world's biggest, which is being held. over nearly seven weeks from April 19th. Nearly one billion. people will be eligible to vote and election marketing has. currently started.

Citizens will be exposed to the heat waves and will require. to take safety measures according to the numerous advisories already. provided, said Kiren Rijiju, India's minister for earth sciences.

During the election in India, individuals will come out for. election rallies, conferences ... There will be heavy activity all. across the country, Rijiju said.

In April, the important month for winter-sown crops coming. to maturity, above normal optimal temperatures are likely throughout. most parts of the country, stated Mohapatra of IMD.

Most of the wheat harvested during this period is in the. main state of Madhya Pradesh, while in northern states the. crop remains in the grain development stage and the harvesting comes. later on, he said.

A heat wave curtailed India's wheat production in 2022,. forcing it to prohibit exports.

Power need generally spikes throughout the summer season and. to ensure undisrupted products, power generation stations'. upkeep schedule has actually been either delayed or has currently. been completed, said a government authorities.

India's power ministry has asked the state-run National. Thermal Power Corporation

(source: Reuters)