Impact of El Niño: Drought-like conditions in 53% of the country; concerns over Kharif and Rabi sowing
A rainfall deficit during the final phase of the southwest monsoon has led to drought-like conditions across large parts of the country. According to the India Drought Monitor, approximately 53.2% of the country's total land area is affected by some level of drought; a week ago, this figure stood at around 46%. The lack of rain has placed stress on standing Kharif crops, while concerns are also mounting regarding adequate soil moisture for the upcoming Rabi sowing season.
Assessments by IIT Gandhinagar’s Water and Climate Lab up to September 9 indicate that 33.4% of the country is experiencing moderate or worse drought, 15.4% is facing severe or worse drought, and 3.8% is under extreme drought conditions. Approximately 0.1% of the area is in the grip of exceptional drought.
Data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) shows that, as of Tuesday, 41% of the 734 monitored districts recorded below-normal rainfall, while 6% experienced a large rainfall deficit. Overall, rainfall across the country during this monsoon season has been about 15% below normal.
In terms of agriculture, Maharashtra is among the most affected states, with 85.2% of its area reportedly affected by some level of drought. Severe drought conditions have been recorded in 25.93% of the state, and exceptional drought in 17.20%. Additionally, 11.91% of Chhattisgarh, 5.22% of Madhya Pradesh, and 4.92% of Uttar Pradesh fall into the severe or exceptional drought categories.
The rainfall deficit has raised concerns regarding the yields of Kharif crops such as *arhar* (pigeon pea), urad (black gram), and soybean. Drought-like conditions in parts of Maharashtra, Telangana, and Karnataka pose a challenge for farmers. A lack of soil moisture could adversely affect the sowing and early growth stages of Rabi crops.
read more :- Indian Rupee Falls 6 Paise to Close at ₹95.95 Against US Dollar
