City
Epaper

Anticipated above-normal Southwest monsoon brings hope for India's agricultural sector: Geojit report

By ANI | Published: May 04, 2024 11:54 AM

New Delhi [India], May 4 : Multiple meteorological organizations are anticipating abundant rainfall during this year's southwest monsoon season ...

Open in App

New Delhi [India], May 4 : Multiple meteorological organizations are anticipating abundant rainfall during this year's southwest monsoon season in the Indian subcontinent.

According to Geojit insights, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects above-normal rainfall, with the total from June to September anticipated to be 106 per cent of the long-period average.

Private forecaster Skymet Weather Services and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Climate Centre have echoed similar forecasts.

Last year, the southwest monsoon ended with a 6 per cent deficit of the long-period average, mainly due to El Nino, resulting in wide spatial and temporal variations in rainfall distribution.

However, regions that generally receive good rainfall experienced shortages, while dry regions like West Rajasthan and Saurashtra-Kutch received bountiful rainfall.

Out of the total 36 meteorological subdivisions, 7 subdivisions, including Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura, experienced deficient rainfall.

The forecast of normal monsoon rains this year comes as a relief at a time when agricultural output is declining, and food inflation remains high, exacerbated by dwindling water levels in reservoirs.

Slow growth in agriculture is mainly attributed to declining farm output, with food grain production expected to decline by six percent in 2023-24.

The deficient monsoons last year and warmer, drier weather due to El Nino have left considerable impact on water levels in reservoirs across the country.

Currently, reservoir storage stands at 31 per cent of the total live storage capacity, significantly lower than the 10-year average.

With the summer approaching its peak, the situation in southern India, where reservoir levels are critically low, has worsened, increasing the threat of drought.

Apart from affecting standing crops and agricultural productivity, dwindling water levels could impact other sectors as well.

The prediction of normal monsoons this year brings hope for boosting the production of kharif crops such as rice, soybean, sugarcane, and pulses, cooling down food inflationary pressures, and replenishing water resources.

However, the arrival, distribution, intensity, and departure of the monsoon remain crucial factors that will impact agricultural production and productivity.

Skymet expects good rainfall in southern, western, and northwestern parts of the country, with Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh expected to receive adequate rainfall.

However, eastern states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal may face the risk of deficit rainfall during peak monsoon months, impacting kharif crops heavily dependent on early rainfall.

Additionally, heavy showers during the latter half of the monsoon season may pose a threat to standing crops across the country.

Disclaimer: This post has been auto-published from an agency feed without any modifications to the text and has not been reviewed by an editor

Open in App

Related Stories

Cricket"Green and Agar may play a role as tournament goes on": Matthew Wade ahead of T20 WC clash against Scotland

NationalPost-poll violence: Four member fact-finding team of BJP to reach Bengal on Sunday

NationalMVA lacks ideological commitment as its sole aim is to get power: Shiv Sena

Cricket"They didn't deserve to reach Super 8": Mohammad Kaif on Pakistan performance in T20 WC

Cricket"It's more challenging": Harmanpreet Kaur bats for point system ahead of multi-format series against South Africa

Business Realted Stories

BusinessIndia's first Metro stretch to be upgraded with aluminum third rails

BusinessHealth Minister JP Nadda directs to upgrade drugs, medical devices to world-class

BusinessWill work hard to provide an ideal life for elderly, disabled: Rural Development Minister

BusinessUnlock USD 50,000 in Rewards with BitDelta Trade-a-Thon

BusinessLeading Digital Marketing Company in Usa ARK Marketing Pro LLC: Leading the Way in Digital Marketing Innovation