New Delhi: As the southwest monsoon loses its momentum across several parts of India, a worrying situation has emerged for the country’s agricultural sector. Latest data reveals that the rainfall deficit has climbed to 19 percent, leaving 372 districts struggling with weak precipitation. The deficiency is particularly acute in Eastern and Northeastern India, where rainfall is 36 percent below the long-period average.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is scheduled to hold a high-level review meeting with the Chief Ministers of 14 rain-deficient states to assess the ground situation. This follows a series of preemptive measures initiated by the Centre as early as April. While parts of the Terai region may see some showers, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts that significant monsoon activity is unlikely to resume before July 20.
The timing of this dry spell is critical, as it coincides with the peak of the Kharif sowing season. Farmers across the heartland are facing a grim reality, with 68 districts classified as severely affected. Official figures from the Ministry of Agriculture indicate that as of July 10, Kharif crops have been sown over 531.25 lakh hectares. This is a sharp decline of over 101 lakh hectares, or roughly 16 percent, compared to the 632.69 lakh hectares covered during the same period last year.
The impact is most visible in essential food crops. Paddy sowing has seen a dip of nearly 10.84 lakh hectares. However, the most significant drops are in oilseeds and pulses, which have decreased by 21 percent and 23 percent respectively. These figures have raised concerns about potential impacts on food inflation and rural income if the weather does not improve soon.
Despite the current slump, government officials remain cautiously optimistic. The sowing window, which typically closes by the end of July, is expected to stretch until mid-August this year. Agriculture Minister Chouhan’s interaction with state leadership aims to streamline assistance for affected farmers and ensure that contingency plans are in place.
The IMD forecast suggests a split weather pattern for the coming week. While heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected to continue in Meghalaya, Bihar, and Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, the plains of Northwest India and the southern peninsula are likely to remain dry. Agricultural experts believe that if the monsoon regains strength after July 20 as predicted, there is still a chance for farmers to recover some of the lost ground.