Monsoon progress sluggish, rainfall 58% below normal in State
PNS
Ranchi
The southwest monsoon has advanced at a significantly slow pace in Jharkhand this year, with the state recording a sharp rainfall deficit of 58 percent between June 1 and June 24. According to data from the Meteorological Department, most districts have witnessed disappointing rainfall, raising concerns for the ongoing agricultural season.
The capital city, Ranchi, has performed relatively better compared to other regions, recording 119 mm of rainfall so far—only 13 percent below normal. However, the situation remains alarming in districts such as Garhwa and Chatra, where rainfall has been far below average levels. A similar trend of deficiency is visible across most parts of the state.
The weak monsoon has begun to impact agricultural activities, particularly the sowing of Kharif crops. June is considered a crucial month for sowing crops like paddy, maize, and pulses. The continued shortfall in rainfall has disrupted normal sowing patterns, leaving farmers worried about potential yield losses.
In several areas, farmers are now being forced to reconsider their cropping strategies. Many are exploring options such as delayed sowing or shifting to alternative crops that require less water. Agricultural experts have advised close monitoring of weather patterns and adopting contingency plans to minimize losses.
Despite the current deficit, there is some relief on the horizon. Weather forecasts indicate that monsoon activity may intensify in the coming days, which could help bridge the rainfall gap and revive agricultural operations.
For now, however, the slow pace of the monsoon remains a cause for concern, particularly for a largely agrarian state like Jharkhand, where timely rainfall is critical for both livelihoods and food security.
