India Faces Worst Monsoon Deficit in Over a Decade, Impacting Agriculture
India Faces Worst Monsoon Deficit in Over a Decade, Impacting Agriculture
IN · Published Oct 11, 2026
• The 2026 southwest monsoon season in India has concluded with an all-India rainfall deficit of approximately 12–13%, marking the worst shortfall in over a decade.
• This has raised concerns about soil moisture and reservoir levels, particularly in central and western India, which are critical agricultural regions.

Impact & Risks

The monsoon deficit is expected to have significant implications for agriculture, particularly in central and western India, where soil moisture levels are uneven. Key chickpea-growing states such as Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Gujarat are likely to face challenges during the rabi sowing season. Farmers in rainfed areas may experience delays in planting, which could lead to reduced crop yields. Additionally, the tight supply of chickpeas has already led to an increase in prices, which may further impact domestic and international markets.

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