Odisha Farmers Sow Through 21% Monsoon Deficit as 'Super' El Niño Strengthens

2 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 30

India's monsoon deficit narrowed to 21% in July, but farmers in Odisha are still sowing into dry fields after the rains arrived only at the end of June.
June ended with a 40% rainfall shortfall, and experts say a strengthening “super” El Niño from July to September can bring weak, uneven rain, low soil moisture and depleted reservoirs.
Nearly 50% of Odisha’s cultivated land is rain-fed, leaving many farmers without irrigation; some are waiting for canal releases, while others recall total crop losses in 2023-24 and debts of 30,000 rupees.
S&P Global warned this month that a weak Indian monsoon could lift inflation, weaken rural demand and strain fiscal balances, extending the impact beyond farm incomes.
Forecasts and advisories now reach more than 38 million farmers, but researchers and aid groups say resilience still hinges on local trust, water security and gradual shifts in cropping choices.