Media Monitor
Rain leaves earth soggy, prevents pre-kharif sowing in Karnataka
Pre-kharif sowing has started in Karnataka after much delay this year. Good showers in the past few weeks came as relief to distressed farmers, however, due to excess moisture in the soil at many places, sowing has not been done as per target so far.
India still expects above average monsoon rains in a boost for agriculture
India is likely to receive above-average monsoon rains this year, the weather office said on Monday, retaining its April forecast and keeping alive the possibility of higher farm output and economic growth in Asia’s third-biggest economy.
Plentiful rains could lift farm growth to 6% this year: Officials
An above-average monsoon, expected to hit the Kerala coast on May 31, could lift farm growth to 6% this year on the back of higher output of summer crops and a base effect, a government policy-maker said on Thursday. The June-September rainy season is critical for Asia’s third-largest economy as nearly half of the country’s net-sown area heavily relies on the summer monsoon.
Rain after prolonged dry spell brings cheer, farmers hope to salvage rabi crop
Decent spells of rain across the state over the past week ended a prolonged dry spell that prevailed for over six months, and while it brought down soaring temperatures, it has also offered farmers a glimmer of hope. The met department has forecast more rain over the next few days before the weather stabilises. While it may not compensate for the acute deficit, it does bring much cheer.
Double whammy: Drought or rain, it’s only loss for farmers in Karnataka
On the one hand, farmers in Karnataka are facing distress due to severe drought, and on the other, sudden thundershowers are bringing fear of losing standing crops and death of cattle due to lightning. Since the last week of April, heavy rain has been reported in many parts of the state, damaging crops.
Moody monsoon spells trouble for Kerala’s agriculture sector
Kerala and monsoon have an intricate relationship. The state’s nature, character, and economy are deeply tied to the annual rains, which is essential for its sustenance. However, long-term changes in monsoon patterns have started having a detrimental effect on the state’s economy and environment. Adversely impacted by the erratic rainfall, paddy farmers have switched from longer-duration indigenous rice varieties to shorter-duration types and also moved to crops like banana and areca nut.
Above-normal Southwest monsoon chances bring hope for India’s agricultural sector: Geojit report
Multiple meteorological organisations are predicting above-normal rainfall during this year’s southwest monsoon season in the Indian subcontinent. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts the total rainfall from June to September to be 106% of the long-period average. Last year’s southwest monsoon ended with a 6% deficit due to El Nino, causing variations in rainfall distribution. Some regions experienced shortages while others, like West Rajasthan and Saurashtra-Kutch, received ample rainfall. However, 7 subdivisions, including Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, and Tripura, experienced deficient rainfall.
Return of La Nina and its impact on Indian monsoon, agriculture
For the Indian farmer, this summer may bring good tidings, thanks to favourable weather predictions.
Global weather agencies, including the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Climate Center, have forecast the return of the La Nina phenomenon. This event is generally linked to better southwest monsoon rains in India, a stark contrast to the El Nino, which often results in inadequate monsoon showers.
Above Normal Monsoon Precipitation Seen in India Says APCC
According to APEC Climate Center (APCC), monsoon rainfall is likely to be above normal in India this year. In an outlook for April 2024 – September 2024 period, the APCC projected enhanced probability for above normal precipitation is predicted for the eastern off-equatorial North Pacific and the western off-equatorial South Pacific, and region spanning eastern Africa to the western Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea.
India to Enjoy Above-Normal Rains This Monsoon Due to La Niña Onset: APEC Climate Center
The Pacific-born El Niño phenomenon’s onslaught has dealt blow after blow to the Indian weather in the past year. But after putting us through deficient rainfall, cruel heat and more, the ocean seems to have stuck out a peace flag as a La Niña event prepares to take shape over it.