Karnataka Records Deficient Rainfall on 79 of 122 Monsoon Days
Context: Why in News?
Karnataka experienced an uneven southwest monsoon in 2026, with extended dry spells and deficient rainfall. Out of the 122 monsoon days, 79 witnessed deficient or almost no rainfall, affecting crop growth during crucial stages.
Key Highlights
- The southwest monsoon season extended from 1 June to 30 September 2026, covering a total of 122 days.
- According to the newspaper report, Karnataka recorded deficient or near zero rainfall on 79 days. Normal rainfall occurred on 31 days, while excess rainfall was recorded on 12 days.
- Rainfall was inadequate overall and varied considerably across locations and periods. This uneven distribution increased the vulnerability of agriculture.
- The southwest monsoon is vital for Karnataka as it contributes a significant portion of the state’s annual rainfall. It also supports rain-fed farming and the replenishment of reservoirs.
- Extended dry spells during important stages of crop development can deplete soil moisture, disrupt sowing and flowering, reduce agricultural yields and increase reliance on irrigation.
Key Concepts
- Southwest Monsoon: India’s primary rainy season, generally lasting from June to September. It is driven by seasonal atmospheric circulation and the transport of moisture from surrounding seas.
- Rainfall Deficiency: Rainfall is assessed against the Long Period Average (LPA). According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), seasonal rainfall departures ranging from -20% to -59% are classified as deficient, while departures between -60% and -99% fall under the large deficient category.
- Meteorological Drought: A prolonged period of rainfall below normal levels. Agricultural drought develops when soil moisture becomes insufficient to meet the requirements of crop growth.
- Rain – fed Agriculture: A farming system that depends mainly on rainfall rather than assured irrigation. Consequently, crop yields are highly sensitive to the timing and distribution of precipitation.
Way Forward
The impact of prolonged dry spells can be reduced by expanding micro irrigation, developing watersheds, constructing farm ponds and promoting rainwater harvesting. Encouraging drought tolerant crops, issuing weather based advisories and preparing contingency crop plans can further help farmers manage rainfall uncertainty and minimise agricultural losses.