Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Jun 15: The delayed arrival of the southwest monsoon in Maharashtra has heightened concerns among farmers, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) now forecasting its onset in the state by June 20 instead of the earlier projected date of June 15.
According to weather officials, the monsoon remains stalled over the Arabian Sea and has not progressed further as expected. Meteorologists attribute the delay to wind patterns originating from the Afghanistan region, which have hindered the monsoon's advance.
The delay has caused anxiety among farmers who have already completed ploughing and made preparations for the sowing season by stocking seeds and fertilisers.
Agriculture department officials have urged farmers not to begin sowing operations until an official advisory is issued. Authorities warned that premature sowing could lead to the risk of re-sowing if adequate rainfall does not follow.
The department said it would issue sowing recommendations only after the monsoon establishes itself across the state.
Despite the revised forecast, officials cautioned that June 20 remains an estimate and weather conditions could still change. Earlier predictions had indicated that the monsoon would arrive by June 15, but its progress has remained sluggish.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has also appealed to farmers not to rush into sowing activities and to wait for official guidance from the authorities.
Meanwhile, concerns have also been raised over the possibility of below-normal rainfall this season, with experts monitoring the impact of the active El Niño conditions in the Pacific Ocean. Weather analysts warn that the phenomenon could affect monsoon performance not only in Maharashtra but across the country.
Officials said the monsoon is expected to resume its advance over the next three to four days. However, farmers have been advised to wait until it fully covers Mumbai and other parts of Maharashtra before beginning sowing operations.
With agricultural activities dependent on timely rainfall, the prolonged wait for the monsoon has left farmers increasingly anxious about the upcoming cropping season.