Infants at higher risk in flood-prone areas of Bangladesh
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El Niño to pile on suffering Kashmir saffron farmers
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The saffron farmers of Kashmir, already grappling with adverse climate conditions, may face heightened challenges as the El Nino weather pattern threatens prolonged dry spells. Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of Meteorology at the Indian Meteorological Department, warns of potential drought-like situations in Kashmir if January precipitation remains below normal. El Nino, known for causing drier conditions in Asian countries, could exacerbate the existing strain on saffron production, a vital livelihood for the region. The ongoing El Nino event, expected to persist until April 2024, is influenced by record-high temperatures, contributing to 2023 being on track as the warmest year recorded. Climate change-induced shifts in precipitation patterns have already led to erratic rainfall, adversely affecting saffron cultivation. Despite government initiatives like the National Saffron Mission, farmers report minimal impact. As Kashmir's agricultural sector faces a crisis, adaptation strategies,