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Shadow of Drought Looms Over the Nation, Including Maharashtra! 90% Chance of Rainfall This Year; Major Threat to Agriculture
Nagpur: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that this year's Southwest Monsoon is likely to prove concerning for the agricultural sector. The IMD has clarified that during the period from June to September 2026, the country is expected to receive only 90 percent of its Long Period Average (LPA) rainfall—a level classified as "below normal."
A decline in rainfall is also predicted for the 'Monsoon Core Zone'—the country's primary agricultural belt. Consequently, fears are mounting regarding the potential for adverse effects on the Kharif season, water reservoirs, and the rural economy.
**IMD Forecast:**
* Below-normal rainfall is expected across Central India, the Southern Peninsula, and Northwest India.
* Northeast India is likely to experience relatively normal rainfall.
* A rainfall deficit is expected to persist across most regions even during the month of June.
* The IMD has attributed this adverse forecast to the influence of the El Niño phenomenon.
**Impact on Maharashtra?**
Reduced rainfall could trigger drought-like conditions in Maharashtra as well. Given the likelihood that the Kharif season will be challenging for farmers, there is an urgent need to accelerate water conservation efforts and drought preparedness measures immediately.
The Meteorological Department has also issued a warning regarding an increased frequency of heatwaves, which could severely impact certain parts of Maharashtra.
**Advisory for Farmers:**
In light of the anticipated low rainfall, farmers are urged to prioritize maximum water conservation, consider cultivating alternative crops, and adopt modern irrigation technologies.
Nagpur: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that this year's Southwest Monsoon is likely to prove concerning for the agricultural sector. The IMD has clarified that during the period from June to September 2026, the country is expected to receive only 90 percent of its Long Period Average (LPA) rainfall—a level classified as "below normal."
A decline in rainfall is also predicted for the 'Monsoon Core Zone'—the country's primary agricultural belt. Consequently, fears are mounting regarding the potential for adverse effects on the Kharif season, water reservoirs, and the rural economy.
**IMD Forecast:**
* Below-normal rainfall is expected across Central India, the Southern Peninsula, and Northwest India.
* Northeast India is likely to experience relatively normal rainfall.
* A rainfall deficit is expected to persist across most regions even during the month of June.
* The IMD has attributed this adverse forecast to the influence of the El Niño phenomenon.
**Impact on Maharashtra?**
Reduced rainfall could trigger drought-like conditions in Maharashtra as well. Given the likelihood that the Kharif season will be challenging for farmers, there is an urgent need to accelerate water conservation efforts and drought preparedness measures immediately.
The Meteorological Department has also issued a warning regarding an increased frequency of heatwaves, which could severely impact certain parts of Maharashtra.
**Advisory for Farmers:**
In light of the anticipated low rainfall, farmers are urged to prioritize maximum water conservation, consider cultivating alternative crops, and adopt modern irrigation technologies.
A decline in rainfall is also predicted for the 'Monsoon Core Zone'—the country's primary agricultural belt. Consequently, fears are mounting regarding the potential for adverse effects on the Kharif season, water reservoirs, and the rural economy.
**IMD Forecast:**
* Below-normal rainfall is expected across Central India, the Southern Peninsula, and Northwest India.
* Northeast India is likely to experience relatively normal rainfall.
* A rainfall deficit is expected to persist across most regions even during the month of June.
* The IMD has attributed this adverse forecast to the influence of the El Niño phenomenon.
**Impact on Maharashtra?**
Reduced rainfall could trigger drought-like conditions in Maharashtra as well. Given the likelihood that the Kharif season will be challenging for farmers, there is an urgent need to accelerate water conservation efforts and drought preparedness measures immediately.
The Meteorological Department has also issued a warning regarding an increased frequency of heatwaves, which could severely impact certain parts of Maharashtra.
**Advisory for Farmers:**
In light of the anticipated low rainfall, farmers are urged to prioritize maximum water conservation, consider cultivating alternative crops, and adopt modern irrigation technologies.
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