New Delhi
India’s agricultural monsoon is a lifeline. The monsoon coming from June to October gives about three-fourths of the total rainfall of the country. Which affects farming, economy and life of common people. But now the character of the monsoon is changing. Behind it There are scientific reasons.
New form of monsoon
Scientists of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) have analyzed the figures from 1971 to 2020. This study has shown that the period of monsoon is increasing on an average of 1.6 days every decade. That is, now the monsoon lasts longer than before. Its farewell is also late.
In general, the monsoon begins in Kerala on 1 June. It spreads across India till 15 July. Goes back from 15 September to 15 October. But now this time is increasing, especially the departure from northwest India is delayed.
Why is this change happening?
Scientists believe that climate change and rising temperatures are the major reasons behind this. India’s average temperature between 1986 and 2015 has increased by 0.15 degrees Celsius every decade. This can be faster in the coming years.
According to the Global Climate Model (CMIP6), the increase in temperature by one degree can increase the monsoon rain by 6%. Al Nino (changes in sea temperature) is also affecting the rain pattern.
Rain pattern and increase
The study found that the number of active monsoon days is also increasing 3.1 days every decade. The rainfall between June and September is 75% of the total rainfall of the year, while it reaches 79% from June to October.
Between 1971-2020, there was also a difference in rain figures. Especially from June to October, the rainfall affects crops, which is important for food security.
Impact and challenges
Delay of monsoon and long term can spoil the time table of farming. Sowing and harvesting time can disturb the farmers. The risk of drought is increasing due to floods and low rainfall due to excess rainfall. This change also affects water management, dams plan and food storage. Due to late farewell in north-west India, the crops there are getting further challenges.
Question of policies
The monsoon has now become a matter of policy making not only the issue of weather. Irrigation, managing reservoirs, and food security strategy will have to be replaced accordingly. Meteorologists, agricultural experts and policy makers should jointly make new schemes, who can keep pace with this changing monsoon.
What to do for the future?
Scientists say that to understand the changing nature of the monsoon, there is a need to study deeply. To prevent climate change, planting trees, reducing pollution and promoting sustainable farming is necessary. Farmers should provide new technology and seeds, so that they can face changing weather.
