Impact of Monsoon on Kharif Crops

The area under kharif crops has surpassed the normal acreage by the week ending September 5. However, a late increase in monsoon rains, especially in the northern, western, and central regions of India, may impact crop yields.

Definition of Normal Acreage

Normal acreage refers to the average area sown over the past five years.

Flooding and Crop Damage

• Aastha Gudwani, chief economist at Barclays India, highlighted in a report that the excess rains have resulted in flooding across the northwest region.
• This flooding has caused significant damage to crops and affected livelihoods in the region.

Risk to Specific Crops

• Despite the completion of sowing for the kharif season, the excess rains in the northwest and central regions pose risks, particularly to rice and pulses.
• Reservoir levels have reached multi-year highs, which could further impact the agricultural scenario.

Monsoon Statistics

• The monsoon has been 9% above the long-period average across India from June 2 to September 8.
• Specific regions have experienced significantly higher rainfall: 
  1. Punjab: 55% above normal
  2. Haryana: 48% excess rain
  3. Delhi: 51% excess rain
  4. Himachal Pradesh: 48% excess rain