New Delhi: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has informed the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) that the country’s overall southwest monsoon rainfall deficit has reduced to 12 per cent below normal, despite a delayed onset in several key states earlier this season. The update was shared during a high-level meeting chaired by Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister P.K. Mishra to assess the possible impact of El Niño on agriculture, water resources and allied sectors.
According to officials, rainfall during the first week of July significantly improved the overall monsoon performance, helping bridge part of the earlier deficit. The IMD said that while the monsoon reached parts of western and central India around 10 days later than usual, recent rainfall has eased concerns in many regions.
The weather agency noted that Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh experienced delayed monsoon arrival, but conditions have improved with increased precipitation over the past few days. Officials also indicated that rainfall during the opening week of July remained above the seasonal average.
During the meeting, the IMD presented its latest assessment on El Niño, stating that weak to moderate conditions are likely to prevail through July and August. However, the department clarified that the presence of El Niño does not automatically translate into below-normal monsoon rainfall across India, and the evolving weather pattern is being closely monitored.
Representatives from 15 ministries attended the review, with particular emphasis placed on agricultural preparedness for the ongoing kharif season.
The Ministry of Agriculture informed the PMO that regular meetings of the Crop Weather Watch Group are being conducted with state governments to review rainfall distribution, reservoir levels, sowing progress, input availability, pest outbreaks and market conditions. The objective is to enable timely interventions wherever required.
Officials also said contingency plans have been revised for 262 districts considered vulnerable to rainfall variability. In addition, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has circulated detailed Standard Operating Procedures to Krishi Vigyan Kendras across the country for managing potential risks arising from El Niño during the cropping season.
The Agriculture Ministry highlighted that India’s foodgrain production has remained resilient even during years of deficient rainfall, attributing the stability to improved farming practices, climate-resilient crop varieties and advances in agricultural technology.
The PMO directed all concerned departments to maintain close coordination and continue monitoring weather developments to minimise any adverse impact on agriculture, food security and rural livelihoods as the monsoon season progresses.
