Volume : 11, Issue : 11, NOV 2025

UNSEASONAL RAINFALL IN INDIA AND INDIAN AGRICULTURE – A STUDY

SHAILENDRA KUMAR VERMA

Abstract

Unseasonal rainfall—precipitation outside the expected seasonal window—has become an increasingly frequent and damaging phenomenon in India. This paper explores its causes, characteristics, and multifaceted impacts on Indian agriculture. Using climatological, agronomic, and socioeconomic perspectives, the study examines patterns of unseasonal rainfall in recent years (2023–2025), how they affect crop phenology, yields, farm incomes, input use, and risk profiles, and the coping and adaptation strategies adopted by farmers. It also discusses policy implications, including extension services, insurance, and climate-resilient agricultural planning. The findings reveal that unseasonal rains significantly disrupt cropping cycles, increase post-harvest losses, raise pest and disease risks, and impose heavy income losses—especially for small and marginal farmers. The paper concludes with recommendations to strengthen early warning systems, diversify cropping patterns, improve institutional support, and build climate resilience into India’s agricultural framework.

Article : Download PDF

Cite This Article

IESRJ

International Educational Scientific Research Journal

E-ISSN: 2455-295X

International Indexed Journal | Multi-Disciplinary Refereed Research Journal

ISSN: 2455-295X

Peer-Reviewed Journal - Equivalent to UGC Approved Journal

Peer-Reviewed Journal

Article No : 6

Number of Downloads : 278

References

1. India Meteorological Department. Monsoon 2024: A Report. (IMD)

2. India Meteorological Department. Rainfall Information & Long-Range Forecasts.

3.   India Spend. “Unseasonal Rains Defy Forecasts, Damage Crops, Disrupt Lives” (May 2025

4. FICCI. Impact of Unseasonal Rains (report on agricultural damage).

5. Ghosh, Soham, Sujay Mukhoti & Pritee Sharma. “Impact of rainfall risk on rice production: realized volatility in mean model.” (2025)

6. IPCC, peer-reviewed studies on rainfall extremes and agriculture (e.g. studies cited in climate-extremes reviews)

7. “A review on the extreme rainfall studies in India.” Science Direct (2023)

8. Bhardwaj et al., “Climate change and extreme rainfall events in India.” (PMC/National indexing

9. “How is Indian Rainfall Pattern Shifting Due to Climate Change,” CEEW blog (2025)

10. Studies combining IMD gridded rainfall with agriculture (e.g. “Indian Agriculture Under Climate Change”)

11. National statistical and rainfall trend sources, e.g. Mo SPI Statistical Year Book (Chapter on Rainfall)

12. IJNRD, “Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture in India” (discussing rainfall-crop yield link)

13. Additional journal articles on climate-smart agriculture, adaptation, and institutional design