According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the southwest monsoon rainfall in 2026 was 87% of the long-period average (LPA), making it the fourth-lowest since 2001 and the 13th-lowest since 1901. Rainfall was significantly below normal in June (35.4%) and August (16.3%), with slight recovery in July (1% above normal). Such deficits can disrupt kharif crop sowing and impact key crops like rice, maize, sugarcane, and cotton, which are essential for India's food supply.