MONSOON AND FOOD INFLATION
1. Context
From around the last week of June, the monsoon staged a recovery, covering the entire country by July 2 – six days before schedule. The current month so far has recorded 15.7% above normal rainfall, with the earlier cumulative deficit turning into an overall 6% surplus for June 1-July 30
2. Monsoons in India
Monsoons in India are a vital weather phenomenon that brings heavy rainfall to the Indian subcontinent. The monsoon season typically lasts from June to September, covering various regions of India. It plays a crucial role in the country's agriculture, water supply, and overall economy
The monsoons in India are a seasonal change in the direction of the prevailing winds that bring heavy rains to the country. The summer monsoon, which is the main monsoon in India, typically begins in June and ends in September
Image Source: Britannica
3. Types of Monsoons in India
In India, there are two main types of monsoons: the Southwest Monsoon and the Northeast Monsoon. These two monsoons have distinct characteristics and impact different regions of the country at different times of the year
3.1.Southwest Monsoons
- This is the main monsoon in India. It brings heavy rains to the country from June to September. The southwest monsoon is caused by the difference in temperature between the land and the ocean.
- During the summer, the land heats up more than the ocean, which creates a low-pressure area over the land. This low-pressure area draws in moist air from the southwest Indian Ocean.
- As the moist air rises over the land, it cools and condenses, forming clouds and rain
- The southwest monsoon winds blow from the Indian Ocean, carrying moisture and rain clouds towards the Indian subcontinent.
- The southwest monsoon covers the entire Indian subcontinent, including the west coast, central India, northern plains, and parts of eastern India
- This monsoon brings heavy rainfall to various regions, replenishing water bodies and providing vital irrigation for agriculture
3.2.Northeast Monsoons (Retreating monsoon)
- This monsoon brings rains to India's northeast during the winter months, from October to December.
- The northeast monsoon is caused by the difference in temperature between the land and the ocean.
- During the winter, the land cools down more than the ocean, which creates a high-pressure area over the land.
- This high-pressure area pushes the moist air from the Bay of Bengal towards the land. As the moist air rises over the land, it cools and condenses, forming clouds and rain.
- During this period, the winds blow from the northeast, bringing moisture from the Bay of Bengal towards the southeastern coast of India
- The Northeast Monsoon primarily impacts the eastern coastal regions of India, including Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, parts of Karnataka, and some northeastern states
4. Impact on Sowing
- The monsoon’s turnaround has led to a surge in kharif crop plantings – including the area under rice that was lagging behind last year’s levels till mid-July. But the gaps have since been significantly covered, barring in pulses, while forging ahead for rice
- The bulk of kharif sowings happen from mid-June to mid-August. Rainfall in June-July decides how much area is covered.
- August-September rain matters for yields of the crops already sown.
- The same rain helps fill up reservoirs and ponds and recharge groundwater tables, which provide moisture for the subsequent rabi winter-spring crops.
5. Impact on food inflation
The monsoon has a significant impact on food inflation in India. A good monsoon ensures a good harvest, which leads to lower food prices. Conversely, a poor monsoon can lead to crop failure, which drives up food prices.
The monsoon has a significant impact on food inflation in India. Since a substantial portion of the country's agricultural production is rain-fed, the performance of the monsoon directly affects crop output and, consequently, food prices
Here are some of the ways in which the monsoon can impact food inflation:
- Crop production: The monsoon is essential for crop production in India. A good monsoon ensures that crops have enough water to grow, which leads to a good harvest. A poor monsoon can lead to crop failure, which reduces the supply of food and drives up prices.
- Input costs: The monsoon also affects the cost of inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides. A good monsoon can lead to lower input costs, which can help to keep food prices down. A poor monsoon can lead to higher input costs, which can push up food prices.
- Demand: The monsoon can also affect demand for food. A good monsoon can lead to increased demand for food, as people have more money to spend. A poor monsoon can lead to decreased demand for food, as people have less money to spend.
6. Way forward
The Indian government closely monitors the monsoon's progress and its impact on agriculture and food prices. Policymakers take measures to mitigate the adverse effects of monsoon variability on food inflation, such as implementing agricultural reforms, improving irrigation infrastructure, and maintaining food stocks to stabilize prices during periods of supply disruptions
It is important to note that the monsoon is not the only factor that affects food inflation in India. Other factors such as global commodity prices, government policies, and the overall economic situation can also play a role. However, the monsoon is a major factor that can have a significant impact on food inflation in India
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For Prelims: Southwest monsoons, retreat monsoons, inflation, food inflation
For Mains: 1.Discuss the factors influencing the onset and withdrawal of the southwest monsoon in India. How does climate change impact the monsoon pattern and what are its implications?
2.Critically assess the role of monsoon rains in replenishing water resources in India. Discuss the challenges faced in water management during both excess and deficit rainfall periods
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Previous Year Questions
1.La Nina is suspected to have caused recent floods in Australia. How is La Nina different from El Nino? (UPSC CSE 2011 )
(a ) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer (d)
2. The seasonal reversal of winds is the typical characteristic of (UPSC CSE 2014 ) (a) Equatorial climate
(b) Mediterranean climate
(c) Monsoon climate
(d) All of the above climates
Answer C
3. With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)’ sometimes mentioned in the news while forecasting Indian monsoon, which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC CSE 2017 )
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer b
Q7. Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2015)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(1) 1 only
(2) 2 only
(3) Both 1 and 2
(4) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer b
1.What characteristics can be assigned to monsoon climate that succeeds in feeding more than 50 percent of the won population residing in Monsoon Asia? (2017 GS1) 2. Discuss the nature and origin of the Indian monsoon and recent techniques of its prediction. (2014 Geography optional) 3. Discuss the mechanism and origin of Monsoon winds & explain the role of EI Nino on Monsoon circulation. (2008 Geography optional) |
Source: indianexpress
