September Rain Is Falling Short. What Should Farmers Do Before the Next Crop Season?

India’s September rainfall is expected to remain below normal, creating fresh pressure on farmers already dealing with an uneven monsoon. The rainfall shortage matters not only for standing kharif crops but also for soil moisture needed before farmers begin preparing their fields for the rabi season.

The India Meteorological Department has warned that September rainfall is likely to be below normal, while temperatures may remain above average. The combination can increase water stress in crops and reduce moisture available in fields. Farmers therefore need to manage existing water carefully rather than wait for rainfall to improve.

Farmers should first check how much moisture remains in the soil. Looking only at the surface can give a misleading picture because deeper layers may still contain enough water for crop roots. Digging a small section near the root zone can provide a better idea of actual moisture conditions.

Irrigation should be prioritised for crops at sensitive growth stages. Flowering, pod formation and grain development can be particularly important for final yields. Instead of applying the same amount of water everywhere, farmers should focus available water on crops where moisture stress could cause the greatest production loss.

Farmers with limited irrigation should also avoid unnecessary water loss through daytime application during hot conditions. Where practical, irrigation during cooler periods can reduce evaporation. Simple measures such as repairing leaking pipes and channels can also help ensure that more of the available water reaches the crop.

Protect soil moisture before it disappears

Farmers can use crop residues or other suitable organic material as mulch where appropriate. A soil cover can reduce direct evaporation and help protect moisture near plant roots. Mulching can be particularly useful in fields facing repeated dry periods and high temperatures.

Weed control also becomes important during a dry spell because weeds compete with crops for available water. Farmers should manage weeds at the appropriate stage instead of allowing them to consume moisture needed by the main crop. The method should match the crop and local recommendations.

Dry soil does not automatically mean crops need more fertiliser. Applying nutrients when plants are under severe moisture stress may not produce the expected benefit. Farmers should assess crop condition and soil moisture before spending more money on additional fertiliser or other inputs.

If rainfall arrives after a dry period, nutrient application should also follow crop requirements and local recommendations. Farmers can contact their Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture department for crop-specific advice instead of following general recommendations from local markets or informal sources.

September rainfall is important beyond the current kharif harvest. Soil moisture remaining after the monsoon can influence conditions for rabi sowing. Reuters has reported concerns that inadequate September rainfall could create problems for wheat, chickpea and rapeseed planting.

Farmers should therefore avoid unnecessary disturbance of soil moisture after kharif harvesting. Field preparation should be planned according to the next crop and available moisture. In areas expecting limited rainfall, conserving existing moisture can be more useful than repeated tillage.

Choose the next crop carefully

Farmers who regularly face rainfall shortages should consider crops and varieties suited to their local water availability. Crop choice should also reflect soil type, market access and the expected sowing window.

This does not mean every farmer should switch crops immediately. Instead, farmers can discuss suitable alternatives with local agriculture officials before purchasing seed. Contingency planning is particularly useful when rainfall forecasts indicate continued uncertainty.

A dry period followed by sudden rainfall can change field conditions quickly. Higher humidity and fresh plant growth may create favourable conditions for some pests and diseases.

Farmers should inspect fields after significant rainfall instead of immediately spraying pesticides. Regular observation can help identify whether a pest has actually crossed the level where control is required. Unnecessary spraying increases costs and can also affect beneficial insects.

Farmers should use the remaining time before rabi sowing to arrange seed, check machinery and plan field preparation. Waiting until rainfall arrives can create delays if many farmers begin purchasing inputs at the same time.

A simple plan can include the preferred crop, seed quantity, expected sowing date, irrigation availability and likely input requirements. This allows farmers to respond quickly when field conditions become suitable for sowing.

Farmers should follow short-term weather forecasts rather than relying only on seasonal predictions. Rainfall can vary sharply between nearby districts and even between villages.

ICAR’s extension network has been using weather-based advisories and local monitoring to help farmers respond to changing conditions. In Odisha, KVK teams have been monitoring crop conditions, irrigation, pest incidence and input availability as part of preparations for El Niño-related risks.

Save water for the most valuable stage

When water is limited, farmers need to decide where each irrigation is likely to provide the greatest benefit. A small amount of water applied at an important crop stage may be more useful than spreading insufficient water across every field.

Farmers should also consider the remaining crop duration. A crop close to harvest may need a different strategy from one that still has several weeks of growth. Local crop advisories can help farmers make these decisions.

Farmers should check soil moisture, inspect crop growth, prioritise irrigation, control weeds and protect available water. At the same time, they should prepare a rabi plan based on expected moisture rather than assuming September rainfall will return to normal.

The current monsoon shows why farmers need flexible plans. Kharif sowing was still around 1.5% below last year’s level by August 21, while rainfall remained uneven across regions. With El Niño adding uncertainty, careful water and crop management will remain important through the transition from kharif to rabi.