Good monsoon rain is essential for Kharif crops

16-Apr-2025 12:54 PM

New Delhi. Last year, India received 108 percent rainfall of the long-term average during the southwest monsoon season, which supported strong Kharif crop production.

This year, the Meteorological Department has predicted 105 percent rainfall—slightly above normal. While this is encouraging, experts stress the importance of even rainfall distribution across regions to ensure record production and help control inflation.

Over 70 percent of the country's annual rainfall occurs between June and September, directly benefiting Kharif crops and replenishing water levels for Rabi irrigation.

Key crops such as paddy, pulses (tuvar, urad, moong), maize, millets, soybean, groundnut, and cotton are sown during this period, with sowing typically beginning with the first monsoon showers.

However, uneven rainfall—leading to floods in some regions and droughts in others—often causes heavy crop losses. If rainfall remains consistent and widespread, the country could see a significant boost in agricultural output.

This year, weather conditions are favorable, and timely monsoon onset is expected, raising hopes for a successful Kharif season.