Monsoon-2016

Indian monsoon: 10 facts you may want to know

By BIG WIRE

Posted on May 13, 2016

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New Delhi (Big Wire) Indian monsoon is forecast to be a surplus this year in the absence of El Nino effect, reviving hopes of a drought free summer season after a gap of two years.

Here are some important facts you need to know about the monsoon.

1. Onset:

The monsoon rains arrive over Kerala coast in the South India around June 1, marking a formal start of India’s summer rain season.

2. Progress:

The wind bearing rain, known as the monsoon, moves from southern parts to the western region.

3. Coverage:

The monsoon covers the Southern India by the first week of June, then progresses towards the North and covers the half of the country’s landmass by mid-June. It covers the entire India by mid-July.

4. Forecast:

India Meteorological Department provides regular short to medium term forecasts during the June-September season.

IMD releases the first forecast in April and subsequently keeps updating the forecast with the progress of the season.

5. Classification:

An average or normal monsoon means rainfall between 96-104 percent of a 50-year average of 89 centimetres during the four-month season from June.

Rainfall below 90 percent of the average is considered a drought as happened in the previous two years.

6. Crops:

Sowing of summer crops like rice, cotton, cane and soybean triggers with the progress of monsoon rainfall.

7. Reservoir:

Monsoon rains replenish country’s main reservoirs during the summer season. Monsoon supplies water to irrigation and hydropower generation projects.

8. Farm Output:
The monsoon holds the key to a higher farm output and economic growth. The farm sector shares around 14 percent towards the national economy.

9. Irrigation:

Surplus rainfall can reduce demand for subsidised diesel, used to pump water from wells for irrigation.

10. Gold:

The monsoon season influences gold demand in India, the world’s top consumer of the yellow metal, as purchases get a boost when farm incomes rise amid high crop output.

Big Wire