India Faces Most Uneven Monsoon in a Decade, Threatening Crop Yields
India Faces Most Uneven Monsoon in a Decade, Threatening Crop Yields
IN · Published Sep 8, 2026
India is experiencing its most uneven monsoon in a decade, with rainfall 14% below normal as of September 7, 2026, according to a Crisil report.
The Rainfall Distortion Index (RDI) indicates significant spatial disparities, with rainfall 27% below normal in the south peninsula and 24% below normal in the east and northeast.

Impact & Risks

The uneven monsoon poses risks to crop yields, particularly for rain-dependent crops like cotton, bajra, and soybean. While sowing has been resilient, the lack of consistent rainfall could impact harvests, leading to potential income losses for farmers. Additionally, deficient rainfall in 45% of districts and rising drought conditions could strain rural economies. The rabi season, which accounts for half of India's foodgrain production, is also at risk due to low reservoir levels and reduced soil moisture, potentially affecting wheat output and food prices.

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