From Dw · · 1m 20s
Monsoon Shortages Hit Indian Farmers
Weak monsoon leaves Indian farmers without water and power.
In brief
Weak monsoon leaves Indian farmers without water and power. Indian farmers face financial ruin after a weak monsoon caused irrigation wells to dry up, with water shortages affecting power generation and rural incomes. Originally reported by Dw.
Ramesh Reddy's farm collapse
Ramesh Reddy, 44, invested 320,000 rupees in his tomato farm but lost everything when irrigation wells ran dry.
“I have lost everything I invested, I have no money left for the next crop and I don't know how I will repay the loan.”
Driest monsoon in 11 years
India received 759.4 millimeters of rain this year, a 12.6% deficit below the long-term average of 868.6 millimeters.
“The 12.6% deficit made it the country's driest monsoon in 11 years and the fourth driest this century.”
El Nino impacts monsoon
Climate scientist Madhavan Nair Rajeevan said El Nino was the main factor behind the poor monsoon.
“As far as the Indian monsoon is concerned, El Nino is the most important influencing factor, which we should consider very seriously.”
Water and power shortages
India's reservoirs held 132.7 billion cubic meters of water, below the 10-year average of 151.1 billion cubic meters.
“Combined storage in the 178 reservoirs monitored by the Central Water Commission stood at 132.7 billion cubic meters, below the 10-year average of 151.1 billion cubic meters.”
Power generation drops
Hydropower output fell nearly 16% in September from a year earlier, causing electricity shortages of 560 million kilowatt-hours.
“Hydropower output fell nearly 16% in September from a year earlier, according to Grid India data.”
Rural income crisis
Weaker farm output has pushed up food prices and strained rural household budgets.
“When agricultural incomes fall and food prices rise, rural households face a squeeze on their purchasing power.”
Food prices surge
Onions rose 93% in price, sugar 28%, and rice 8% compared to a year earlier.
“An analysis by ISignal using Department of Consumer Affairs data found that onions were 93% more expensive in September than a year earlier.”
Next crop uncertainty
Farmers prepare for winter crops but face uncertainty over soil moisture after the weak monsoon.
“The next test will be the rabi, or winter, crop. Farmers are now preparing to plant wheat, mustard and chickpeas, but success will depend largely on how much moisture remains in the soil after the weak monsoon.”
The headline
Indian farmers face financial ruin after a weak monsoon caused irrigation wells to dry up, with water shortages affecting power generation and rural incomes.
