Why is India witnessing unseasonal rainfalls yet again? | UPSC – IAS
Unseasonal rainfall has become a recurring phenomenon in India, causing concern among farmers and impacting various sectors of the economy. This article explores the reasons for unseasonal rains, their effects on the monsoons, and the vulnerabilities of the agricultural sector.
Reasons for Unseasonal Rains | UPSC – IAS
Scientists attribute the unseasonal rains to Western Disturbance, which occurs annually but under different conditions each year. The development of cyclonic circulation across Haryana and Punjab, as a result of the Western Disturbance, has led to rain in north and west India. Additionally, El Nino, a global weather phenomenon, may be contributing to the severity of this year’s summer.
Effects on Monsoons and Agriculture
Unseasonal rains have a significant impact on the monsoon season and the agricultural sector. Farmers are concerned about their crops that are ready to be harvested and the produce lying in mandis (marketplaces). The standing crops and post-harvest crops have been affected, leading to a rise in prices of perishable supplies such as vegetables and fruits. The construction industry may also experience an increase in the cost of essential raw materials. Unseasonal rain can have negative social implications, particularly for vulnerable groups like small farmers, daily wage laborers, and migrant workers.
Steps to Tackle the Issue
A multifaceted approach is needed to address the concerns caused by unseasonal rains. Short-term actions include providing compensation to farmers for lost crops, offering discounted seeds and fertilizer, and raising the Minimum Support Price. Long-term changes in the agriculture industry are required to increase its adaptability to shifting weather patterns. This includes promoting crop diversity, adopting advanced agricultural techniques and technology, and improving supply chain infrastructure.
Government Initiatives
The Indian government has launched several initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (Prime Minister’s Crop Insurance Scheme), Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (Prime Minister’s Agricultural Irrigation Scheme), and Soil Health Card Scheme. These initiatives aim to provide financial support, improve irrigation infrastructure, promote water-use efficiency, and enhance soil health. They help farmers optimize their use of water resources, improve crop yields, and reduce the risk of crop failure due to droughts or water scarcity.
Impact on Other Economic Sectors
Unseasonal rains not only affect the agriculture industry but also have implications for other economic sectors. The interruption caused by unseasonal rainfall may lead to an increase in the prices of basic commodities, affecting people’s spending habits and decreasing demand for non-essential products and services as a whole. The construction industry may also face additional costs due to the increased prices of raw materials like steel and cement.
Conclusion
Unseasonal rains in India highlight the vulnerabilities of the agricultural sector and the need for proactive measures to address climate change. The government’s initiatives, along with short-term and long-term approaches, can help farmers adapt to changing weather patterns and improve their resilience. Collaboration between the central and state governments, as well as various stakeholders, is crucial to effectively tackle the impact of unseasonal rains and ensure sustainable agriculture.
Mutiple Choice Questions | UPSC – IAS
1. Why is India witnessing unseasonal rainfalls yet again?
a) Due to global warming
b) Due to shifting weather patterns
c) Due to El Nino effect
d) Due to cyclonic winds
Explanation: The unseasonal rainfalls in India are occurring due to a combination of factors like global warming, shifting weather patterns, El Nino effect, and cyclonic winds.
2. Apart from climate change, what are the reasons for unseasonal rainfalls in India?
a) Western Disturbance
b) Anticyclonic activity
c) Cyclonic winds
d) All of the above
Explanation: The unseasonal rainfalls in India are caused by multiple factors, including Western Disturbance, anticyclonic activity, and cyclonic winds.
3. How is the agriculture sector affected by unseasonal rains?
a) Increase in crop prices
b) Decrease in crop yields
c) Shift in weather patterns
d) All of the above
Explanation: Unseasonal rains have a negative impact on the agriculture sector, including decreasing crop yields, increasing crop prices, and disrupting the traditional weather patterns.
4. What impact does unseasonal rain have on the economy?
a) Increase in inflation
b) Decrease in demand for non-essential products
c) Increase in production costs
d) All of the above
Explanation: Unseasonal rain can have a ripple effect on the economy, including increasing inflation, decreasing demand for non-essential products, and increasing production costs.
5. What steps can be taken to tackle the issue of unseasonal rains?
a) Forgive farm loans
b) Compensate farmers for lost crops
c) Offer discounted seeds and fertilizers
d) All of the above
Explanation: Short-term measures like forgiving farm loans and compensating farmers, as well as long-term structural changes in the agriculture industry, can help tackle the issue of unseasonal rains.
6. What initiatives has the government launched to support farmers?
a) Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana
b) Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana
c) Soil Health Card Scheme
d) All of the above
Explanation: The government has launched initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana, and Soil Health Card Scheme to support farmers and address the challenges posed by unseasonal rains.
7. What can be done to mitigate the impact of extreme weather conditions?
a) Promote water-resistant crops
b) Improve water-use efficiency
c) Enhance soil health
d) All of the above
Explanation: Mitigating the impact of extreme weather conditions involves promoting water-resistant crops, improving water-use efficiency, and enhancing soil health.
8. How can the central and state governments work together to address the concerns of farmers?
a) Financial assistance from the center
b) Technical support from the center
c) Collaboration between the center and state governments
d) All of the above
Explanation: The central and state governments can work together by providing financial assistance, technical support, and collaborating to address the concerns of farmers affected by unseasonal rains.
Brief Summary | UPSC – IAS
Unseasonal rains in India, caused by Western Disturbance and El Nino, are impacting the agriculture industry and other economic sectors. Farmers are concerned about their crops and produce, which could lead to a rise in prices of perishable supplies. The construction industry may also face increased costs for raw materials. The government has launched initiatives such as crop insurance, agricultural irrigation, and soil health cards to support farmers. Short-term actions like loan waivers and raising minimum support prices are also being considered. Long-term changes in the agriculture industry are needed to improve its adaptability to changing weather patterns.
