India Enjoys 'Above Normal' Monsoon Rainfall, Lifting Crop Outlook

As of late July 2025, India is reporting an 'above normal' monsoon season, with overall rainfall 8% above the long-period average. This represents a significant improvement compared to the previous year, when rainfall was 108% of the benchmark.

However, the monsoon season has seen a wide regional disparity in rain distribution. While central, northwest, and south India have received surplus rainfall, the east and northeast regions have experienced a 23% deficit. In total, a third of the country's 738 districts have received 'deficient' rainfall.

Despite the uneven distribution, the monsoon has provided a much-needed boost to India's water resources. As of July 24, 2025, the water levels in the country's 161 major reservoirs have surged to over 60% of their total capacity, up 59% from the previous year and 53% above the 10-year average.

The improved rainfall has also benefited the ongoing kharif crop season. Farmers have completed sowing in 65% of the normal area, with overall kharif crop acreage up 4% compared to the previous year. The key kharif crops, including paddy, pulses, oilseeds, sugarcane, cotton, and coarse cereals, are all showing positive growth.

Looking ahead, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rainfall over the next week in regions such as northeast India, Gujarat, east Rajasthan, and parts of the southern peninsula. This suggests that the monsoon is likely to continue its strong performance in the coming weeks, further bolstering the country's agricultural and water security.