Monsoon deficit caused driest August in 122 years, hampering farm prospects

India faces its driest august in over a century.

India had its most parched August in 122 years, with rainfall plummeting to 33 percent below the seasonal average, the country’s met office said.

The deficit caused this year’s monsoon’s rainfall to dip to 9 percent below the long period average in August, the poorest performance in eight years.
Gujarat, Kerala and Rajasthan were the states that were worst affected by the shortfall of rain.

The deficit brought agricultural activities in these regions to a standstill and water levels at reservoirs languished below their 10-year average. The lack of adequate rainfall threatens water availability, irrigation prospects and the outlook for rabi crops in rural India.

States of despairAccording to the India Meteorological Department, the August rainfall deficit was as much as 90 percent.

A Dry August
States with the highest rainfall deficit
Gujarat 90%
Kerala 89%
Rajasthan 79%
Karnataka 74%
Telangana 63%
Andhra Pradesh 48%
Madhya Pradesh 36%
Manipur 35%
Tamil Nadu 23%

Consequently, the sowing of kharif crops such as pulses, jowar, and oilseeds, has lagged behind last year's figures. Additionally, the distressing state of water reservoirs has cast a shadow over the upcoming rabi season.
Farmers and agricultural experts have voiced deep concerns about the prospects of growth in rural India due to the monsoon deficit. The implications of the shortfall extend beyond the immediate crop yield to economic stability, food security, and overall livelihoods.
India gets about 70 percent of its annual rainfall during the June-September monsoon season. Farmers depend on rainfall to grow crops in areas where there are no irrigation facilities.

Urgent measures and adaptive strategies are now paramount to mitigate the impact of this deficiency and safeguard the nation's agricultural future. As India grapples with these challenges, experts and authorities are monitoring the situation, hoping for a turnaround in the coming months to alleviate the current agricultural distress.
As of August 30, India received 628.7 mm of rainfall since June 1, falling 9 percent short of the normal amount of 693.9 mm, the IMD said. Rainfall was classified as deficient in seven states and normal in 25 states.

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