The delayed and irregular monsoon has significantly impacted Indian farmers, particularly those cultivating paddy. Increased costs for irrigation, labour, and agricultural inputs have strained their finances, even in regions where yields were average. Health issues such as heat-related illnesses and exhaustion among labourers have further compounded the challenges. The report also notes localised variations in crop outcomes, with some villages experiencing good harvests while others faced pest outbreaks and rain damage. The findings underscore the vulnerability of smallholder farmers to climate variability, with many expressing concerns about groundwater depletion and the potential for even drier conditions in the upcoming season.