Question

Why is Indian agriculture considered as "gamble with the monsoon"?

Answer 1

The Indian economy is heavily dependent on agriculture and the livelihood of the Indian farmer largely depends on the Monsoon rains. Southwest Monsoon in India is a four-month-long affair from June till September. More than 75 percent of India’s annual rainfall occurs during this period itself. The fate of the Kharif crops depends on the performance of the Southwest Monsoon. Weak Monsoon rains result in crop failure, which affects the economy in a negative manner due to lower production. Later on, this translates into price-rise, low industrial output, and other issues. Also, if poor Monsoon results in less crop output, the country may even need to import. The importance of monsoon season in India is as the Indian agriculture, river systems, water stock, flora and fauna are all dependent on the monsoon season in India.