Weak Monsoon May Slow Crop Sowing Across Western and Southern India

India’s monsoon is expected to weaken across western and southern states over the next two weeks, raising concerns over crop sowing after heavy rainfall earlier this month. According to weather officials, below-average rainfall is likely in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala due to unfavourable Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) conditions and a low chance of new low-pressure systems developing.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said the country recorded 39.8% below-average rainfall in June and has also forecast weaker rainfall for July. Although recent heavy showers reduced the overall rainfall deficit, officials expect the shortfall to widen again as the monsoon enters a temporary break, potentially affecting agricultural activities in rain-fed regions.

The delayed monsoon has already slowed the sowing of key summer crops, including rice, cotton, soybean, and corn, with planted area down 21% compared to last year. The government has advised farmers to opt for short-duration and low-water-intensive crops such as corn, pearl millet, and green gram to reduce the impact of delayed rainfall and possible dry spells.

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