Persistent El Niño Threat to Monsoon: Farmers Need Government Support

13-Jul-2026 03:47 PM

New Delhi. After a sluggish start in June, the intensification of the southwest monsoon during the first week of July brought good rainfall to various parts of the country, allowing farmers to accelerate the sowing of Kharif crops. However, weather experts and agricultural economists warn that the serious threat of El Niño to the monsoon persists.

The monsoon began on a very weak note this season, leading to a significant rainfall deficit and causing substantial delays in Kharif crop sowing. While monsoon conditions have improved in July, experts caution against assuming that the El Niño threat has passed; the monsoon has already begun to weaken again. Close monitoring of the weather and monsoon over the coming weeks is essential, as this period will prove critical for the sowing and progress of Kharif crops.

Due to above-normal rainfall in the first week of July, the country's overall rainfall deficit between June 1 and July 9 narrowed to approximately 12 percent, down from around 40 percent at the end of June. The central government is continuously reviewing the monsoon situation and closely monitoring the sowing and progress of Kharif crops. Agricultural experts emphasize that the government must ensure the adequate supply and availability of fertilizers, seeds, and other essential inputs to prevent any disruptions to the sowing process.

Experts note that the El Niño phenomenon is only just developing and could intensify significantly, potentially impacting the behavior and trajectory of the monsoon. India needs to place special emphasis on boosting the production of crops, particularly pulses and oilseeds.