Maharashtra Farmers Advised to Delay Sowing Amid Heat and Monsoon Delay
As the state of Maharashtra reels under scorching heat, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a fresh advisory asking farmers to postpone the sowing of kharif crops. The department has made it clear that monsoon rains are unlikely to begin before June 10, pushing back the usual agricultural schedule in several districts.
Maharashtra Monsoon Delay
The IMD has confirmed that monsoon onset over Maharashtra will be delayed this year, with current atmospheric conditions indicating the absence of any significant rainfall until at least the second week of June. This delay, coupled with intense heatwaves, has raised serious concerns for farmers who typically begin sowing with the first showers.
“Meteorological data indicates that farmers in regions like Vidarbha, Marathwada, and parts of Western Maharashtra must not rush into sowing operations,” officials warned. “Pre-monsoon showers might occur sporadically, but consistent rainfall required for successful germination is not expected before June 10.”
This comes as maximum temperatures in several districts continue to hover well above normal levels, exacerbating soil dryness and increasing the risk of crop failure if seeds are sown prematurely.
IMD Weather Alert
The IMD has also emphasized the impact of rising temperatures, with cities like Nagpur, Chandrapur, and Jalgaon witnessing temperatures exceeding 43°C. The Met Department has advised caution against interpreting light pre-monsoon drizzles as signs of monsoon arrival. “Rainfall activity during this period will remain limited and insufficient for agricultural activities,” the IMD stated.
“Farmers are strongly advised not to proceed with sowing activities until further notice,” it reiterated. The guidance applies particularly to rainfed farming zones, where water availability is entirely dependent on monsoon timing and consistency.
Farmers Sowing Advisory
Agricultural officers have been deployed to various districts to create awareness and communicate the advisory to grassroots farmers. “There is no rain forecast before June 10, and temperatures will continue to rise,” one officer said. “If farmers sow now, the risk of crop failure is extremely high due to soil moisture deficiency.”
Farm experts have supported the advisory, suggesting that early sowing could lead to significant financial losses and long-term soil damage. They have recommended preparing the land but waiting for consistent rainfall patterns before actual seeding begins.
The state’s agriculture department, along with IMD and local administrations, is coordinating to ensure real-time weather updates reach farmers through mobile advisories, local language radio broadcasts, and gram panchayat meetings.
Given the dual threat of delayed monsoon and extreme temperatures, Maharashtra’s farmers face a tense start to the kharif season. The coming days will be crucial in determining how swiftly the state’s agricultural machinery adapts to this year’s climatic uncertainties.
