Delayed Onset of Monsoon Rains in India Raises Concerns for Agriculture

This year, the onset of the southwest monsoon over Kerala is projected to be slightly delayed. The India Meteorological Department has forecasted the monsoon to arrive on June 4, with a model error margin of plus/minus 4 days.

India's monsoon rains, vital for the country's economy, are predicted to be delayed in 2023, with the southwest monsoon expected to hit the Kerala coast in the southwest on June 4, according to the state-run weather office.

The monsoon season plays a crucial role in India's $3 trillion economy, providing nearly 70 per cent of the required rainfall for farming and replenishing reservoirs and aquifers. Approximately half of India's farmland, which lacks irrigation facilities, depends on the annual June-September monsoon rains to cultivate various crops.

Traditionally, Kerala experiences the first showers of the monsoon around June 1, followed by the monsoon gradually covering the entire country by mid-July. Timely rains during this period are crucial for initiating the planting of crops such as rice, soybeans, and cotton.

However, concerns have arisen due to the emergence of the El Niño weather pattern, which has the potential to impact monsoon rainfall in 2023. El Niño refers to the warming of sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, often leading to weather pattern disruptions around the world.

The delayed onset of monsoon rains and the possible influence of El Niño have raised concerns among farmers and policymakers alike. Agriculture, being a vital sector of India's economy, heavily relies on monsoon rainfall for successful crop cultivation and yield.

A delayed or erratic monsoon can adversely affect agricultural productivity, potentially leading to lower crop yields, increased input costs, and challenges for farmers in managing water resources effectively.

Government agencies and farmers' organizations are closely monitoring the situation and preparing contingency plans to mitigate the potential impact of delayed monsoon rains. Such plans may include implementing efficient irrigation techniques, promoting drought-tolerant crop varieties, and providing necessary support and resources to farmers in affected regions.

Authorities emphasize the importance of adopting sustainable agricultural practices, improving water management infrastructure, and diversifying farming systems to enhance resilience against climate variability and potential challenges posed by delayed or erratic monsoons.

Also Read: FAO Warns of Potential El Nino Effect on India’s Rice, Maize, & Soya Output

As the monsoon season approaches, farmers and agricultural communities across the country remain hopeful for adequate rainfall to support their livelihoods and ensure food security for the nation. Continuous monitoring and timely interventions will be essential to navigating the challenges posed by a delayed monsoon and any potential implications for India's agricultural sector.

While the forecast provides an estimate for the onset of monsoon rains, it is important to note that weather patterns can be unpredictable, and further updates and assessments will be necessary as the monsoon season progresses.

source- Reuters

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