Pulses and Oilseed Crops at Risk Due to Weakening Monsoon Rains

22-May-2026 01:35 PM

Indore. The central and western regions of the country rely heavily on monsoon rainfall for robust Kharif production, as facilities for artificial irrigation are relatively scarce in these areas. Should monsoon rainfall remain uncertain and erratic in these regions, the production of pulses, oilseeds, and coarse cereals could be severely impacted.

While the northern region possesses adequate canal irrigation facilities, it too will face a critical need for good rainfall, as water stocks in dams and reservoirs remain low. Water sources are progressively drying up due to the scorching heat.

It is noteworthy that approximately 70 percent of the country's rainfall occurs during the four-month span of the Southwest Monsoon (June–September), whereas 80 percent of rice production takes place during the Kharif season.

The entire—or at least the bulk—of the production of crops such as Urad, Tur, Moong, Jowar, Bajra, Soybean, Groundnut, and Castor occurs exclusively during the Kharif season. Similarly, Cotton and Jute are also Kharif-season crops. Some experts are warning of the potential onset of a "Super El Niño" this year, a phenomenon that could prove detrimental to India.