It is crucial for the country’s nearly USD 4 trillion economy, especially as almost half of India’s farmland is not irrigated and depends directly on seasonal rains


India is likely to receive above-average rainfall in September, the state-run India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Sunday, raising hopes of stronger monsoon showers after the country recorded 5 per cent above-normal rainfall in August.

The IMD forecast suggests that all regions, except the northeastern states and the southern states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, are likely to receive 109 per cent of the 50-year average rainfall in September.

While heavier rains may help replenish aquifers and reservoirs, above-normal precipitation could damage summer-sown crops such as rice, cotton, soybean, corn and pulses. These crops, planted with the onset of the monsoon in June, are typically harvested from mid-September.
The monsoon, which runs from June to September, delivers nearly 70 per cent of India’s annual rainfall. It is crucial for the country’s nearly USD 4 trillion economy, especially as almost half of India’s farmland is not irrigated and depends directly on seasonal rains.

The outlook for September rainfall will play a critical role in shaping crop yields, water availability, and inflation trends in the coming months.