The India Meteorological Department (IMD) announced that the southwest monsoon covered the entire country by July 2, 2024, six days ahead of the normal date of July 8. The monsoon initially arrived early in Kerala and the northeastern region on May 30 but slowed down as it progressed, delaying rains in several states including West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. This delay worsened the impact of a severe heat wave in northwest India.

Impact of above Scenario on Indian Agriculture:

• Delayed Rains in Key Agricultural States: The monsoon’s slow progress after reaching Maharashtra led to delayed rains in critical agricultural states such as West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. This delay likely disrupted the sowing schedules for Kharif crops like rice, maize, and pulses, which depend on timely rains for optimal growth.
• Heat Wave Impact: The delay in the monsoon exacerbated the effects of a severe heat wave in northwest India, which can cause soil moisture depletion, negatively affecting crop germination and early growth stages. Heat stress can also reduce crop yields and quality.
• Water Stress: Prolonged dry periods before the monsoon’s arrival can strain irrigation resources, increasing dependency on already depleting groundwater levels and reservoirs. This can lead to water stress for crops, impacting their growth and productivity.
• Agricultural Planning and Inputs: Farmers typically plan their agricultural activities based on the expected arrival of the monsoon. Delays can lead to uncertainty and the need for re-sowing, additional investments in irrigation, and increased costs for inputs such as seeds and fertilizers.
• Pest and Disease Outbreaks: Irregular monsoon patterns and prolonged heat waves can create favourable conditions for pest and disease outbreaks, further threatening crop health and yields.

Overall, while the early arrival of the monsoon across the entire country is generally positive, the initial delay and subsequent heat wave have likely created challenges for the agricultural sector, necessitating adaptive measures to mitigate the adverse impacts on crop production and farmer livelihoods.

Source: IMD, Times of India, agAlabs