Why Monsoon Matters!

The three girls, studying in the 4th standard in Bilpudi, say the rainy season is their favourite time of the year. “I like to sing and play in the rain,” says Jacinta Rathad. “I play with my brother when it rains,” admits Kalista Hadal. She says her grandfather goes fishing in the river with men from the village. A heavy rain can send water gushing into the river.

Dr. Emmanuel D’Silva

India has had good rains this year lifting the spirits of farmers, business people, government officials and citizens. Overall, the country received above normal rainfall from the southwest monsoon, the period from June to October. Normal rainfall during this period is estimated at 89 centimetres.

There are good reasons why Indians are obsessed with the monsoon. Half of the farm production depends on the summer rain. Crops like rice, pulses, cotton and sugarcane, important to India’s economy, require high temperature and heavy rain to grow.

About 70% of Indians live in rural areas and agriculture is their main occupation. For a large number of poor farmers with a small piece of land and no irrigation, the monsoon rains are a godsend. Like their ancestors, these farmers toil in the field not to sell their crops in the market, but to grow food for their families. They are often called ‘subsistent farmers’.