Even as the country overall enjoys a stronger-than-average monsoon season, India’s Northeast remains parched. According to the latest data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), states like Assam and Meghalaya are experiencing a 40% rainfall deficit, while Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim are grappling with similarly severe shortfalls, with precipitation down by nearly 39%.
This contrast stands in sharp relief to the broader national trend, which shows a 9% surplus in rainfall for the season. However, this surplus has largely bypassed large parts of the Northeast and South India, intensifying concerns about crop failures and water stress in traditionally rain-fed regions.
The rainfall deficit has hit at a critical time — the kharif sowing season — when timely and adequate monsoon showers are essential for planting paddy, pulses, and oilseeds. Farmers in many Northeastern districts have reported dry fields and delays in transplanting due to insufficient soil moisture.
Experts warn that prolonged rain deficiency in this region, which already faces fragile infrastructure and terrain-related challenges, could widen food insecurity and economic vulnerability. Agricultural input costs could also rise due to higher dependence on irrigation and supplementary water sources.
While the IMD has not ruled out rainfall recovery in the coming weeks, the delayed and uneven distribution has already left a significant mark on the Northeast’s agrarian economy. Authorities are being urged to activate contingency plans, including crop diversification, water conservation drives, and increased support for rainwater harvesting, to help mitigate further losses.
The situation is being monitored closely, as the second half of July and early August will be critical in determining whether the rainfall gap can be bridged in time to rescue the kharif season.
