digantsharma As the kharif season nears, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has released its much-anticipated monsoon forecast for 2025, predicting a “normal” southwest monsoon across the country. This comes as a relief to millions of farmers who depend on timely and adequate rainfall to sow crops like paddy, maize, pulses, and cotton.
According to the IMD, India is likely to receive 96–104% of the Long Period Average (LPA) rainfall between June and September, signaling overall stability. However, experts caution that regional variations and climate disruptions could still affect the distribution and intensity of rainfall in specific zones.
🌀 Key Highlights from IMD’s 2025 Forecast:
- Overall Monsoon: Normal (around 100% of LPA)
- Onset Date: Expected around June 3 over Kerala, close to the usual date
- El Niño–La Niña Factor: Weak El Niño is transitioning to neutral conditions, which supports normal monsoon behavior
- Northwest India: Slightly below average rainfall expected
- Central India & East India: Likely to receive near or slightly above normal rainfall
- South Peninsula: Favorable rainfall outlook for Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh
🌧️ Infographic: 2025 Rainfall Projections by Region
(Embed rainfall distribution chart here)
🌾 Impact on Kharif Sowing
A normal monsoon is critical for kharif crops, especially in rainfed areas. Paddy farmers in states like Bihar, West Bengal, and Odisha are expected to benefit, along with pulse growers in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. However, irregular rainfall patterns—like delayed onset or long dry spells—can still disrupt sowing plans.
Dr. Renu Sharma, an agricultural climatologist, notes:
“Normal rainfall on paper doesn’t guarantee normal sowing. The timing and distribution of rain are what really affect productivity.”
🔍 State-wise Overview
- Punjab & Haryana: Below-average rainfall could impact water tables and paddy transplantation
- Maharashtra & Gujarat: Good rains may help boost cotton and soy cultivation
- Andhra Pradesh & Tamil Nadu: Expected to see favorable conditions for pulses and groundnut
- Northeast India: Mixed forecast with localized heavy rains likely
Farmers are being advised to closely monitor weather advisories and prepare contingency crop plans in case of regional anomalies.
🧭 Government Preparedness
The Ministry of Agriculture and state governments are coordinating to ensure seed availability, crop insurance awareness, and the promotion of climate-resilient crops. Additionally, IMD has upgraded its real-time weather forecasting systems for more accurate short- and medium-term forecasts.
🛰️ Visual: Satellite Image of Monsoon Movement – June 2025
🌍 Climate Trends to Watch
The forecast reinforces the growing importance of climate-smart agriculture. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and extreme weather events are pushing both policymakers and farmers to adopt new practices, including soil moisture conservation, diversified cropping, and precision irrigation.
