The southwest monsoon, long considered the lifeline of India&rsquo;s agriculture and water systems, has traditionally been admired for its reliability. In recent years, however, this pattern has begun to break down, creating concern among farmers, policymakers, and the public. The delayed withdrawal of the monsoon, influenced by climate change and altered weather systems, is disrupting farming cycles, water management, and even cultural practices, with far-reaching consequences for the nation&rsquo;s economy and society.
For decades, the retreat of the monsoon from northern India typically began around September 1, giving farmers time to harvest and allowing water systems to transition into the post-monsoon season. Yet recent data shows a consistent delay. By 2020-21, the withdrawal shifted to mid-September, and in the past few years, it has stretched into early October. Delhi&rsquo;s weather records reveal that the monsoon has not withdrawn before September 24 in over a decade. In Gujarat, forecasts now predict rain until the end of September, with a likely withdrawal closer to October 5. This delay of more than two weeks is more than a statistical curiosity; it is disrupting harvest schedules, damaging mature crops, and creating uncertainty for farmers who depend on timely rainfall.
Meteorologists attribute much of this change to shifting low-pressure systems in the Bay of Bengal. Traditionally, these systems moved northward and influenced rainfall across central and northern India. Over the last seven to eight years, however, they have increasingly shifted westward, bringing unseasonal and irregular rainfall. This has resulted in extreme weather, from floods in some regions to prolonged rains in others, both of which pose serious threats to agriculture. Gujarat illustrates this trend clearly. While Saurashtra and Kutch have seen the monsoon retreat, parts of south Gujarat remain exposed to extended rainfall due to a current low-pressure system, leaving farmers at risk of crop damage and delayed planting.
The implications extend well beyond weather. For farmers, crops such as rice, pulses, and cotton, which require precise sowing and harvesting windows, are increasingly vulnerable. Untimely rainfall can wipe out harvest-ready fields, while late rains delay sowing, lowering yields and disrupting supply chains. This has knock-on effects on food prices, rural incomes, and the broader economy. The cultural and social calendar is also feeling the strain. Festivals like Navratri and Diwali, which have long coincided with dry conditions, are now often disrupted by unexpected rains, affecting community celebrations and local businesses. Prolonged monsoons also overwhelm water management systems, leading to flooding in some areas while others face shortages due to poor planning for erratic rainfall.
At the root of this change lies the influence of climate change. Rising global temperatures, shifts in ocean currents, and changes in atmospheric behavior are altering the monsoon&rsquo;s delicate balance. The delayed withdrawal and westward drift of Bay of Bengal systems are visible symptoms of a broader climate crisis that is reshaping weather globally.
Addressing this challenge requires urgent and coordinated action. Farmers will need access to climate-resilient crops, modern irrigation, and improved weather forecasts. Policymakers must strengthen water management, flood protection, and sustainable farming practices. At a national and global level, the response must include reducing emissions, building resilience, and enhancing cooperation to manage the risks of climate change.
The evolving behavior of the southwest monsoon is more than a shift in rainfall; it is a warning signal of larger environmental changes that threaten food security, livelihoods, and traditions. The time to act is now. Sustainable agriculture, better forecasting, and global climate cooperation are essential to protect India&rsquo;s future. With the monsoon becoming longer and more unpredictable, adapting to this reality is no longer optional; it is a matter of survival for farmers, communities, and policymakers alike.

India’s monsoon delays spark climate alarm

Late withdrawal disrupts farming, water systems, and festivals, with climate change blamed

India’s monsoon delays spark climate alarm

Late withdrawal disrupts farming, water systems, and festivals, with climate change blamed

September 28, 2025 | 01:40 IST