El Nino Causes Skewed Monsoon Patterns in Gujarat
El Nino Causes Skewed Monsoon Patterns in Gujarat
IN · Published Aug 24, 2026
Gujarat has experienced highly uneven monsoon rainfall in 2026, with some regions like Valsad receiving 73% excess rainfall, while others, such as Kutch, face a 50% deficit.
A study by the ICAR-Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation attributes this anomaly to the strengthening El Nino phenomenon, which disrupts monsoon patterns by altering wind and moisture flow.

Impact & Risks

The uneven rainfall has led to significant challenges for rain-dependent farming in Gujarat. Regions like Saurashtra, Kutch, and north Gujarat face high risks of crop failure, groundwater stress, and fodder shortages. Rainfed crops such as cotton and groundnut are particularly vulnerable to dry spells. Central Gujarat, with its irrigation networks, is moderately affected, while south Gujarat is relatively safer due to the Tapi basin. The strengthening El Nino could exacerbate these issues, potentially leading to a difficult Kharif season.

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