Weak Southwest Monsoon Impacts Crop Sowing in India
Weak Southwest Monsoon Impacts Crop Sowing in India
IN · Published Oct 12, 2026
• India's 2026 southwest monsoon has been weaker than expected, significantly affecting the sowing of key fall-harvested crops such as rice and corn, according to the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the US Department of Agriculture.
• The reduced monsoon rainfall has led to lower planting and yield prospects for these crops.

Impact & Risks

The weak monsoon has primarily impacted farmers and agricultural production, particularly in regions dependent on monsoon-fed irrigation. Rice and corn yields are expected to decline, which could affect food security and rural livelihoods. Additionally, untimely rains during the wheat harvest have raised concerns about crop quality in some states. Policymakers are increasingly worried about the sustainability of India's input-intensive farming practices, which may exacerbate vulnerabilities to climate variability.

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