Late Monsoon & Farmers Plight

By: Sanjenbam Jugeshwor Singh, Asst. Prof. JCRE Global College, Babupara & Miranda Sanjenbam, Extension Inspector, Coffee Board of India (N.E)

A monsoon is traditionally a seasonal reversing wind accompanied by corresponding changes in precipitation, but now used to describe seasonal changes in atmospheric monsoon or rainy season, lasting from June to September. The season is dominated by the humid southwest summer monsoon which slowly sweeps across the country beginning in late May or early June. Monsoon rains begin to recede from north India at the beginning of October. South India typically receives more rainfall.
India is world’s largest producer of certain crops like sugar, cotton and pulses and the second biggest producer of wheat and rice. Monsoon season which delivers about 70% of the country’s annual rainfall, determines how successful cultivation would be. The monsoon is also critical for the wider economy. A normal rainfall, and as a result higher agricultural output, can boost India’s economic growth and keep inflation in check. The south – west monsoon irrigates over half of India’s crop land. Its arrival marks the beginning of the cultivation of rain fed kharif crops which are heavily dependent on the monsoon. The quality of rainfall determines agricultural production. Early showers will help farmers start planting of major crops such as rice, Soybeans, cotton and pulses. Monsoon importance for agriculture growth India gets around 70 percent of its annual rainfall during the monsoon season, which also affects the yield of some kharif or summer crops like rice, pulses and oil seeds such as soybeans. Farmers start planting these crops with the arrival of monsoon rains in June.
Farming is the only source of income to many farmers in India. In fact, taking in consideration the amount of GDP contribution that the Indian agriculture has, it is a primary factor to affect the economy as a whole. Around 70 percent of the Indian population depends on farming and 58 percent of the total employment in the country is through agriculture which contributes to around 18 percent of the GDP. These numbers bring both, necessary responsibility and limitless to a large part of our population. One cannot deny the dark clouds of monsoon bring hope and happiness to farmers, the soil of his farm comes alive when the first drops of monsoon touches his farmland. Seeds winding in the ground get moistened by the rainfall. It’s just magical together. As a tropical country with limited irrigation facility, the fate of the kharif crops especially depends on the southwest monsoon. The amount of rainfall in a specific area determines the types of crop that can adapt and grow to the natural factors affecting the region. Monsoon friendly crops with a high requirement of water like sugarcane, jute and paddy can easily be cultivated during summers in areas with a high proximity for monsoons. Whereas, crops like wheat and barley require moderate temperature, humidity and water, therefore can only be grown in winters
Farmers plan their sowing schedules based on when the rains typically arrive. When the monsoon is delayed, it leaves fields dry, seeds unsown, and farming plans in limbo. A delayed monsoon can lead to supply issues and even accelerate food inflation. In a good monsoon season, farm output goes up, boosting demand for consumer goods as well as income of rural people. All of this leads to a stronger economic outlook that in turn help lift equities especially of companies selling goods in rural areas. However, a poor monsoon season weakens the demand for CG products, tractors, two – wheelers and rural housing also, it forces the government to spend on the import of food as well as take measures like farm ban waivers. The monsoon rains in India also replenish reservoirs and ground water that helps in improving irrigation and also boosts hydropower production.
Private weather forecasting agency Skymet has predicted a delay in the monsoon in Kerala this year, with an expected onset on June 7, with an error margin of three days. This delay has raised concerns about a longer-than-usual hot weather season. As India is largely an agricultural economy heavily reliant on rain, a delayed monsoon is unfavourable for the economy. Monsoon rains contribute approximately 75% of the country’s annual rainfall and replenish reservoirs. A delayed onset may pose difficulties for farmland, potentially affecting the sowing of Kharif crops, typically planted during the rainy season. Major crops affected by the monsoon include rice, wheat, cotton, sugarcane, soybeans, and peanuts. Furthermore, the delayed monsoon affects rural consumption patterns, as rural areas form a significant consumer base for various sectors such as automobiles and fast-moving consumer goods.
A late monsoon in Imphal valley of Manipur, significantly impacts farmers, potentially leading to crop failures, reduced yields, and financial hardship. The monsoon’s arrival dictates planting schedules for key crops like rice, and delays can cause significant disruptions. The monsoon’s arrival is crucial for planting, particularly for Kharif crops like rice. A late monsoon means a delayed planting season, potentially pushing farmers into a shorter window for sowing. If the monsoon is too delayed or insufficient, crops may not have enough water to germinate or grow, leading to crop failure. Even if crops survive, a delayed or weak monsoon can lead to reduced yields, impacting the overall harvest and farmer income. Reduced yields and crop failures can push farmers into debt, particularly those relying on rain-fed agriculture. Delayed rainfall can also lead to water scarcity, impacting not just agriculture but also other aspects of life. Dry conditions can also create an environment conducive to pests and diseases, further impacting crops.
Imphal valley is heavily reliant on monsoon rains for agriculture, especially rice cultivation. The delay in monsoon can disrupt the entire agricultural cycle, affecting the livelihoods of many farmers in the region. Farmers in Imphal may need to rely on underground water sources, which may not be sufficient or sustainable in the long run. The delay in monsoon may force farmers to switch to shorter duration crop varieties or other crops that require less water. Encouraging farmers to diversify into crops that are less dependent on monsoon rains can help reduce risk. Implementing climate-smart agriculture practices, such as water harvesting and drought-resistant seed varieties, can help farmers adapt to changing rainfall patterns. Developing and implementing effective early warning systems can help farmers prepare for delayed or erratic rainfall. Strengthening support systems like crop insurance, minimum support prices, and better storage facilities can help farmers cope with the challenges of a delayed or erratic monsoon.
(Writers can be reached at: (i) [email protected] (ii)[email protected])