According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the heavy rainfall in the first eight days of July has eliminated the rainfall deficit for the entire country. The cumulative rainfall for the monsoon season has reached 243.2 mm, which is 2% above the normal average. However, there are significant regional variations in rainfall patterns.
The eastern and northeastern regions have experienced a deficiency of 17%, while north India has seen a surplus of 59%. Central India, which heavily relies on monsoonal rains, has recorded a 4% excess rainfall. The rainfall deficiency in south India has reduced from 45% to 23%. At the end of June, the cumulative rainfall was 10% below the normal precipitation. The IMD had predicted normal rainfall in July, but below-normal precipitation is expected in parts of northwest, northeast, and southeast peninsular India.
The delay in monsoon arrival and the ongoing intense rain in north India may impact the cultivation of pulses and oilseed crops, while the impact on paddy, grown in most irrigated areas of north India, is expected to be less significant. Heavy waterlogging and stagnant water can adversely affect seed germination, highlighting the need for better water management and drainage infrastructure in India.
The excessive rainfall has already resulted in increased tomato prices nationwide. On a positive note, the water availability in the country’s reservoirs is improving. As of July 6, the live storage in 146 monitored reservoirs, including hydro-electric projects, was measured at 51.064 billion cubic meters (BCM), approximately 29% of their total capacity.