Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI:The weak and erratic start to this year’s monsoon has placed India on edge. While it is too early to declare a nation-wide drought, the emerging rainfall deficit across large parts of the country is a reminder of how vulnerable agriculture, inflation and rural livelihoods remain to the vagaries of the monsoon.
The immediate concern is the uncertainty surrounding the coming weeks. July is traditionally the most important month for kharif sowing. If the monsoon regains momentum, much of the present anxiety may prove premature. If it does not, the consequences could spread rapidly from farms to food markets and eventually to the broader economy.
The first signs of stress are already visible. Farmers in drought-prone regions are delaying sowing decisions, reservoir levels are under pressure in several states, and urban centres such as Mumbai have begun taking precautionary measures to conserve water. Even localised droughts can disrupt crop production, particularly pulses, oilseeds and vegetables, leading to sharp price increases that affect every household.
The Government must therefore act before the situation worsens. State administrations should prepare district-level drought contingency plans, ensure adequate availability of drought-resistant seeds and expand advisories to farmers through agricultural extension networks. Water conservation measures, groundwater monitoring and judicious reservoir management must become immediate priorities.
Equally important is protecting consumers from a possible food-price shock. Authorities should closely monitor supplies of essential commodities, maintain adequate buffer stocks and be prepared to intervene quickly if shortages emerge. Rural employment programmes may also need strengthening in vulnerable districts should agricultural activity weaken.
It is imperative to protect consumers from a possible food-price shock. Authorities should closely monitor supplies of essential commodities, maintain adequate buffer stocks and be prepared to intervene quickly if shortages emerge.
India today is far better equipped than during the major drought years of the past. Expanded irrigation, improved foodgrain reserves and better forecasting capabilities provide important safeguards. Yet these advantages will yield results only if policymakers respond proactively rather than reactively.
The monsoon still has an opportunity to recover. But hope alone is not a strategy. The prudent course is to prepare for the worst while working for the best.