Back then, a 22% monsoon deficit sent food inflation soaring to 20%. Today? Over half of India’s farmland is irrigated, food stockpiles are bulging, and farmers have better seeds and insurance. Yes, pulses and oilseeds may still feel the pinch; but rice and wheat? Protected. Even fish stocks might take a hit, thanks to rain shortages affecting marine life. And surprise; El Niño might actually bring *more* winter rain to North India. Think snow in Uttarakhand, not drought. Scientists say no two El Niños are alike, but this time, India’s playing smarter; not harder. The real story? It’s not about disaster… it’s about how far we’ve come in staying fed, even when nature gets tricky.