India's monsoon crisis deepens: September rain deficit at 26%, overall 15%

India's rainfall shortfall has widened sharply in early September and across the monsoon season. The deficit is heightening concerns over kharif crops, water availability and food prices. India's monsoon crisis is deepening as rainfall during the first nine days of September has fallen sharply below normal, pushing concerns over crops, reservoirs and water availability to the forefront in the final stretch of the season.The latest rainfall data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) shows that the country received just 44.3 mm of rainfall between September 1 and September 9, against a normal of 59.9 mm, a deficit of 26 per cent.The broader southwest monsoon season has also deteriorated.Between June 1 and September 9, India received 648 mm of rainfall, compared with the normal 760.6 mm, leaving the country with an overall seasonal deficit of 15 per cent.The figures underline the growing pressure on the monsoon after a weak and uneven season marked by prolonged dry spells across large parts of the country.September is particularly crucial this year because many kharif crops are now at critical growth stages and depend on adequate rainfall and soil moisture. A prolonged rainfall shortfall could affect crops such as rice, cotton, soybean, maize, pulses and oilseeds.The state-wise rainfall map reveals a deeply uneven monsoon. Several large agricultural states are staring at significant deficits. Rajasthan, Bihar and Chhattisgarh have recorded substantial shortfalls during the season, while Andhra Pradesh has emerged as one of the worst-hit states, with an exceptionally large rainfall deficit.The September picture is even more alarming across parts of central and southern India.

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Region

Assam, India

Published

10 Sep 2026

Languages

English