New Delhi, April 15 -- India's agriculture sector may face a challenging year ahead amid concerns over weak monsoon, potential El Niño conditions and fertiliser supply disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions, according to a report by ICRA.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD), in its first long-range forecast (LRF) for the 2026 Southwest Monsoon, has projected rainfall at 92 per cent (±5 per cent) of the Long Period Average (LPA), indicating a below-normal season.

ICRA noted that this is the lowest initial forecast in at least 25 years, compared to a 93-106 per cent range in previous years.

This marks a reversal from the past two years, when monsoon rainfall was above normal.

Impact on Kharif Crops and Farm Incomes...