Unusual weather is causing big problems for Indian farmers. A series of Western Disturbances (WDs)—weather systems from the Mediterranean—are coming one after another, bringing unexpected rain, cooler weather, and strong winds.

Normally, WDs come in winter and affect the hills, but this year they are active in summer too. Hill states like Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand have seen heavy rain, floods, and landslides. This is harming crops and delaying farm work.

While these systems have reduced heatwaves in northwestern India, they are also hurting crops like mangoes that need heat to ripen. Experts warn these changes may affect food supply and farmer incomes in the long run.

How This Weather Is Affecting Crops

• Monsoon Disruption:
  Frequent WDs are changing when and how the monsoon arrives.
• Unseasonal Rain:
  Rain during dry months is damaging ready-to-harvest crops.
• Less Heat:
  Crops like mangoes are not ripening properly due to cooler temperatures.
• Floods & Landslides:
  Heavy rain is causing damage in the hill states.
• Winter Crops at Risk:
  Rain timing may harm Rabi crops like wheat and mustard.
• Economic Trouble:
  Unstable weather is making farming unpredictable and risky.

 

Source: Theweek