Rain & Fertilizer Shortfall can be an opportunity
Theme : Core Message
The article warns that India may face a deficient Southwest Monsoon despite its early onset, with potential impacts on agriculture, water security and the broader economy.
Prelims-Oriented Pointers
- Concerns have emerged regarding the possibility of a deficient Southwest Monsoon.
- Experts warn that rainfall shortfalls could affect agriculture, water availability and rural livelihoods.
- Despite the early onset of the Southwest Monsoon over Kerala, seasonal rainfall may remain below the Long Period Average (LPA).
- Northwest, central and peninsular India are expected to face rainfall deficits.
- Prevailing El Niño conditions continue to pose risks to monsoon performance and rainfall distribution.
- The Southwest Monsoon provides nearly 70–75% of India’s annual rainfall.
- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is responsible for monsoon forecasting and weather advisories.
- El Niño refers to the abnormal warming of sea-surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean.
- The Long Period Average (LPA) is used by IMD to assess monsoon performance.
- The kharif season begins with the onset of the Southwest Monsoon.
- Major kharif crops include rice, maize, cotton and pulses.
Mains-Relevant Information
- Monsoon Deficit Concerns
- The article highlights the possibility of below-normal monsoon rainfall.
- Rainfall deficits are expected to affect several regions of India.
- El Niño Influence
- El Niño-related ocean-atmosphere interactions may weaken monsoon performance.
- These conditions can affect both rainfall quantity and distribution.
- Agricultural Impact
- A deficient monsoon could reduce agricultural productivity.
- Kharif crop cultivation remains highly dependent on monsoon rainfall.
- Water and Economic Implications
- Monsoon variability affects water availability and reservoir levels.
- It also influences food inflation, rural livelihoods and economic growth.
