The Impact Of Monsoon On Agriculture

Monsoon brings a lot of change in weather for some people monsoon brings happiness and a ray of hope while on the other hand for some people monsoon brings destruction (here destruction is related to the fields). Monsoon or should we call it rain? Both the terms are relatable to each other.

How do we define monsoon? 

The monsoon is a word that denotes powerful winds and rain it is more than just a weather pattern or a seasonal flow of water from the clouds. From India's heavily green rice fields to the savannas of Africa, the arrival and absence of monsoon largely impacts agriculture. Earlier monsoon refers to the seasonal blowing wind coming from the sea towards the land during the summer months however as a result the entire atmospheric circulation shift brings wet and dry seasons. 

Perhaps, we can consider the monsoon to be the lifeline of the Indian subcontinent where the economy is highly dependent on agriculture such as:-

1 Employment - Agriculture provides livelihoods for a large portion of the Indian population, estimated at around 60%. This means many people rely on the sector for income and sustenance.

2 Food Security - India is a heavily populated country, and agriculture ensures food security by producing essential food grains, vegetables, fruits, etc., feeding a large population.

3 Exports - While not the largest contributor, agriculture still contributes to India's exports. Cash crops like tea, coffee, and spices bring in foreign exchange.

4 Industries - Agriculture acts as a base for several industries like food processing, textiles (cotton), and sugar production. The health of these industries depends on the output from agriculture.

Impact Of Changing Monsoon

1 Water Supply - Monsoon provides a noteworthy portion of the annual rainfall in several regions such as recharging groundwater, filling up the reservoirs, and supplying water for irrigation which is crucial for crops like cotton, sugarcane, and rice.

2 Planting crops - When the monsoon arrives it is like the beginning of planting season for the farmers. 

3 Fertility Of Soil - Monsoon rains act like a natural treatment for the soil it enhance the soil fertility by bringing down the essential nutrients from higher ground and washing away the accumulated salts that can harm the plants.

4 Increased Productivity - With the perfect amount of rain, crops get the ideal amount of moisturizer to grow strong and big. This can result in better quality and higher productivity harvests, meaning more food for everyone and a boost to the economy for farmers. 

Challenges Poses By Monsoon 

1 Flooding - Sometimes the monsoon rains can lead to floods which can damage crops, erode soil, and damage agricultural infrastructure that farmers need, like barns and irrigation channels. The floodwaters can also suffocate crops by keeping air away from their roots.

2 Unpredictability - The unpredictability of monsoon patterns can pose challenges such as impacting planting schedules, affecting crop growth stages, and reducing yields.

3 Pest And Disease - The monsoon's warmth and moisture can create a conducive environment for the multiplication of diseases and pests. This makes it harder for farmers to keep their plants healthy and can lead to rotten or diseased harvests.

4 Soil Erosion - Heavy monsoon rains can cause soil erosion, primarily in areas with poor land management practices and it can degrade the soil quality and reduce agricultural practices.

The timing and amount of rain can make or break a crop season. On the good side, monsoons fill rivers, ponds, and the ground with water, perfect for thirsty crops. They also clean the soil and bring fresh nutrients. Farmers can plant a wider variety of crops when there is enough water. However, monsoons can be unpredictable and cause problems. If the rains are late or stop suddenly, crops can suffer. Too much rain can lead to floods that damage farms and drown crops. Even regular heavy rain can wash away valuable soil.