Assam Faces Drought-Like Crisis Amid Rainfall Deficit

Widespread rainfall deficit cripples Assam's farming, sparks fears of food insecurity.

- Nibir Deka

In Assam, July typically brings the threat of floods, displacing communities and damaging crops. But in 2025, the narrative has dramatically shifted. Instead of inundation, large parts of the state are gripped by a drought-like situation, severely affecting agriculture and the daily lives of ordinary people. Farmers are staring at parched fields, wilting hopes, and an uncertain future.

The worst-hit districts include Kamrup Metro, Kamrup, Dhubri, Nalbari, Barpeta, Bongaigaon, and Darrang—each facing a rainfall deficit between 60% and 80%. The lack of rain has left paddy fields dry and cracked, making it impossible for farmers to plant Sali paddy, the state's primary monsoon crop.