India has experienced its driest June in more than a decade, creating concerns for farmers and agricultural production. The southwest monsoon has also arrived more slowly than expected.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said June 2026 was India’s driest June in 12 years and the fifth-driest since nationwide rainfall records began in 1901.
The weather department has also forecast below-normal rainfall for July, raising concerns about crop planting during the peak farming season.
Delayed Monsoon Slows Crop Sowing
Government data shows farmers had planted summer crops across 18.27 million hectares by the end of June. During the same period last year, they had planted 23.65 million hectares, representing a decline of nearly 23%.
Rice Planting Falls by 25%
Rice cultivation has slowed significantly this season.
Farmers have planted rice on 2.58 million hectares, compared with 3.44 million hectares by the end of June last year, a decline of about 25%.
India’s major summer crops include rice, pulses, coarse grains, oilseeds, cotton, sugarcane and jute. These crops rely heavily on rainfall during the southwest monsoon. read more
Why the Southwest Monsoon Is Important
The southwest monsoon normally provides around 70% of India’s annual rainfall and plays a crucial role in the country’s agricultural economy.
Millions of Farmers Depend on Seasonal Rain
The rainy season usually begins in Kerala during early June before moving north across the country.
This year, the monsoon arrived three days late and advanced more slowly than usual. As a result, many farmers delayed preparing their fields and sowing crops.
Nearly half of India’s farmland lacks reliable irrigation and depends mainly on seasonal rainfall.
Lower Rainfall Could Reduce Oilseed Production
Agricultural experts believe below-average rainfall could reduce domestic oilseed production.
India May Need More Edible Oil Imports
If oilseed production declines, India may need to import more edible oils to meet domestic demand.
However, experts say it is still too early to determine the final impact because the monsoon continues until September, giving farmers additional time to complete sowing if rainfall improves. know more
Government Rice Stocks Offer Some Protection
Despite the weak start to the monsoon, India has large rice reserves.
Buffer Stocks Remain Strong
Government warehouses currently hold 39.7 million tonnes of rice, nearly three times the official buffer requirement.
Authorities also expect an additional 29.8 million tonnes of rice after processing paddy already purchased from farmers.
These reserves should help maintain food supplies if poor weather continues.
June Rainfall Was Far Below Expectations
The India Meteorological Department had predicted June rainfall would reach 92% of the long-term average.
IMD Records One of the Driest Junes
Instead, rainfall was nearly 40% below the forecast.
IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said only four years have recorded drier Junes since nationwide rainfall records began in 1901.
Government Prepares for Below-Normal Rainfall
Attention has now shifted to July, which is usually the wettest month of the monsoon and the busiest period for crop sowing.
Contingency Plans Already Prepared
The government has identified 315 districts that could receive below-normal rainfall.
Officials plan to support farmers by promoting short-duration crops, encouraging less water-intensive varieties and strengthening water conservation measures.
Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the government is taking preventive action rather than waiting for conditions to worsen.
He also reassured farmers that India has sufficient rice and wheat stocks, meaning there is currently no immediate threat to the country’s food security despite the delayed monsoon.
