Climate change makes India's monsoons erratic. Can farmers still find a way to prosper?

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Northern India,Climate Change,Farmers

BENGALURU, India (AP) — Each year from June to September, a heavy band of rain makes its way from India's southwest coast to its northeastern borders...

India's monsoon season is arguably the single most important weather phenomenon for the country, and a good monsoon can noticeably boost the nation's economy and the livelihoods of its 120 million farmers. But human-causedis making the rainfall more erratic, making it difficult for farmers to plant, grow and harvest crops on their rain-fed fields.

Rajeevan added that hydropower resources that generate large amounts of electricity are also built with sustained rains in mind, and extreme rain and floods can lead to health issues such as increased cases of typhoid, cholera and malaria.that many say is a result of agriculture-related debt. “Our region has become infamous for this,” said Jawandhia, the farmer.

Singh grows rice, potatoes and sugarcane on his 20-acre farm and said urgent policy changes are needed to stop flood damage. In many places across India, “maximum rainfall occurs in October now and not really June and July as it used to," said Chitale, who also co-authored a 2024 report looking at India’s changing monsoon patterns. "This results in a lot of crops that are waiting to be harvested getting damaged.”

“The preparedness helps farmers,” said Rajesh Krishnan, a paddy farmer who's part of the collective that worked with local weather officials on the forecasts. Krishnan said their daily and weekly forecasts have an accuracy of at least 70%. “This is helping cut losses and also get a better crop. The forecasts are also helping us decide when to harvest our crops,” he said.

An atmosphere packed with high moisture will fuel bountiful rains across parts of southern and central Ontario through the weekendRemain alert for watches and warnings on Friday and Saturday as rounds of strong to severe storms targets portions of southern Ontario

 

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