Good Rain Expected in Monsoon Season, Boosting Hopes for Kharif Crop Production

24-Apr-2025 12:46 PM

New Delhi. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast 105 percent rainfall compared to the long-period average (LPA) during the upcoming southwest monsoon season, raising expectations for a strong Kharif crop output this year.

Rainfall between 96 to 104 percent of LPA is considered normal, making this year's prediction a sign of above-average precipitation.

A leading private weather agency has also projected a normal monsoon, estimating rainfall at 103 percent of the LPA.

The monsoon season, spanning June to September, accounts for 70 percent of the country’s total rainfall and is crucial for the sowing of major Kharif crops.

Key crops grown during this season include paddy, tuvar, urad, moong, maize, jowar, bajra, ragi, soybean, groundnut, sesame, castor, and cotton.

With over half of India's agricultural land dependent on monsoon rains due to limited access to systematic irrigation, timely and adequate rainfall is essential. Crops like paddy and sugarcane are particularly water-intensive and rely heavily on monsoon showers.

If the 105 percent forecast holds true and rainfall is well-distributed, India could witness another bumper harvest, similar to last year when 108 percent rainfall led to record production of several crops, especially paddy.

In the upcoming season, special attention will be on the sowing of Tuvar, Urad, Maize, and Cotton, which are crucial to both domestic consumption and exports.