Farmers in the eastern Indian state of Odisha are grappling with the impacts of a delayed monsoon and drought conditions, coinciding with the official declaration of a "super" El Niño. The Raja festival, traditionally held from June 14-16 to mark the start of the rainy season, saw clear skies this year, with the monsoon not arriving until the end of the month.
June concluded with a 40% deficit in rainfall in Odisha. Despite some excess rainfall in July, the effects of drought have not been alleviated. The state has experienced at least 19 droughts over the past five decades.
Global experts have officially stated that a "super" El Niño, an extreme version of the weather cycle, is expected this year and is projected to intensify rapidly between July and September. El Niño years in India are commonly associated with weak monsoons, uneven rainfall, dry spells, and high temperatures, which can lead to agricultural droughts, increased energy consumption, and water shortages.
Farmers in Laxmipur cautiously sowed seeds in their paddy fields in late June, hoping for timely rain for germination, despite dry conditions and a lack of irrigation. Nitin Bassi, a water management specialist at the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), noted that reduced rainfall and lower soil moisture are primary concerns during El Niño, adversely affecting farming. Nearly 50% of Odisha's cultivated area relies on rain, with irrigation often unavailable.
To help farmers, the India Meteorological Department launched an initiative last year to provide monsoon forecasts up to 30 days in advance, delivering tailored information to over 38 million farmers via SMS and phone calls, including in Odisha. The government also issued advisories recommending delayed sowing due to El Niño.