Below-normal monsoon rainfall can have a significant impact on Indian agriculture, particularly in regions that depend heavily on seasonal rains.

A weaker monsoon can reduce soil moisture and affect rain-fed crops such as pulses, oilseeds, cotton and coarse cereals.

If dry spells occur during important growing stages, crop yields may also come under pressure.

Lower rainfall can also mean reduced water availability in reservoirs and groundwater, potentially affecting irrigation for the upcoming Rabi season. Farmers may need to rely more heavily on irrigation where available.

However, the impact is not uniform across India.

The timing and regional distribution of rainfall matter as much as the nationwide total. Areas receiving sufficient rain may see limited impact, while regions with larger deficits could face greater agricultural stress.