India's monsoon deficit is increasing due to El Niño and atmospheric conditions, posing serious threats. Agriculture faces hindered kharif sowing, reduced farm labor productivity, and risks to crops like cardamom, potentially escalating retail food inflation. While reservoirs offer some buffer and recovery is possible, India's rain-centric rural economy is vulnerable. The author advocates sustainable strategies: shifting to water-centric organization, reducing water-intensive crops, and improving resilience. Effective implementation of contingency plans and a new inter-state water authority are crucial for climate adaptation and food security.