0.1690
900 319 0030
x

Monsoon: A Boon

iasparliament Logo
July 14, 2020

Why in news?

India is having a good run with the monsoon, which is good news for farmers and the economy.

What would happen generally?

  • June is the month during which the monsoon sets in.
  • June is also when the monsoon begins its journey from two extremities of the country.
  • One branch starts its journey northwards from Kerala and the other branch enters India from the southeast.
  • Both branches eventually converge in the north.
  • Usually, this merging of the monsoon currents over the mainland takes at least until July 15.

What happened this year?

  • The India Meteorological Department (IMD) data reveals that rainfall during the season has been 14% more than what is usual for this period.
  • The month of June only accounts for about 17% of the monsoon rainfall spanning June-September.

What are the two significant factors?

  • The first factor was that the monsoon set in at a textbook date of June 1.
  • Another factor was the record pace at which the monsoon covered the whole country.
  • According to IMD, the monsoon would cover India’s northern and western borders no later than July 8.
  • This year, however, the monsoon broke even this speed limit and covered the country by June 25.

What is the net result of all this?

  • The net result is that there were more rainy days in June.
  • A fairly even distribution across the country was also observed.
  • Rainfall in east, south and central India posted surpluses of 13%-20%
  • Only in northwest India, the rainfall is staring at a 3% deficit.
  • While good rains in June signal farmers to prepare the soil and sow kharif crop, the most important months are July and August.
  • These two months account for two-thirds of the monsoon rain.
  • This is also the time the monsoon goes into so-called ‘break’ conditions.
  • Prolonged breaks, or an absence of rainfall, can even lead to drought.

What is needed?

  • In spite of the technological advancements, meteorological agencies cannot reliably forecast the advent of a break or how long it can last.
  • Therefore, short and medium range forecasts need to be strengthened and effectively communicated to the people.

 

Source: The Hindu

Login or Register to Post Comments
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to review.

ARCHIVES

MONTH/YEARWISE ARCHIVES

Free UPSC Interview Guidance Programme