Monsoon deficit threatens Onam crops in Kerala

A prolonged spell of weak monsoon activity has triggered serious concerns across Kerala’s agrarian community as official data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reveals a stark 35% rainfall deficit across the State for the current southwest monsoon period between June 1 and July 21. Kerala recorded an actual cumulative rainfall of just 722.1 mm against the seasonal normal of 1,106.5 mm. Out of 14 districts, 12 have fallen into the ‘deficient’ category, while one district has entered the severe ‘large deficient’ classification, leaving farmers grappling with acute water stress during a critical phase of the crop calendar.