Southwest Monsoon Reaches Kerala After Three-Day Delay
• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced that the southwest monsoon arrived in Kerala on June 4, three days later than its usual onset date of June
• This marks only the second time since 2005 that the IMD's forecast for the monsoon's onset has been significantly off. The delay is attributed to various climatic factors, including the growing risk of El Niño, which has a 60% probability of causing below-normal rainfall this year. The monsoon's arrival signals the start of the Kharif sowing season, but its delayed progress across states could impact the planting of key crops like paddy, maize, and pulses. The IMD has also forecasted below-normal rainfall for the June-September period, raising concerns about potential drought conditions.
Why It's Important?
The delayed monsoon and forecasted below-normal rainfall could disrupt agricultural activities, particularly in rain-fed regions. Farmers may face challenges in sowing and sustaining crops due to uneven rainfall distribution and prolonged dry spells. The risk of drought looms large, especially if the seasonal rainfall deficit exceeds 10%. Such conditions could lead to reduced crop yields, higher food prices, and increased economic stress for farmers. The situation is further complicated by the potential impact of El Niño, which historically correlates with deficient rainfall in India.
Related News