Monsoon Arrived Early, But Here’s Why You Must Delay Planting Now

Why delay planting after early monsoon: The Agriculture Department has issued a strong advisory urging farmers across Maharashtra not to begin sowing yet. The warning comes as the monsoon, which arrived nearly 10 days early this year, is now expected to stall. From May 27 onward, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts a significant slowdown in rainfall, followed by a dry spell likely to last until June 10.

Early Arrival, Sudden Pause

The monsoon reached South Konkan by May 25—well ahead of schedule. Initial rains brought some hope to farmers. But that momentum didn’t last.

The IMD has now confirmed that the monsoon’s advance has stopped due to a shift in weather patterns. There is no significant rainfall expected across most of the state over the next 10 days.

The unexpected halt has already pushed daytime temperatures up. In Vidarbha, they’re projected to hit 40°C. Khandesh and Marathwada may see temperatures range between 35°C and 40°C. This early heatwave adds further stress to both crops and people.

Why delay planting after early monsoon?

To avoid crop loss, the Agriculture Department recommends delaying sowing until regular rainfall resumes.

Here’s what you should do:

• Avoid early sowing until rainfall stabilizes.

• Monitor pest activity—especially Fall Armyworm—and report outbreaks to the nearest agriculture office.

• Stay in touch with local agriculture officials and ATMA personnel for updated weather alerts from IMD, NSDMA, or ICAR.

• Plan for crop diversification instead of mono-cropping. This helps spread risk if rainfall patterns remain unpredictable.

For Hill Agriculture & Shifting Cultivation

• Use staggered log bunding to reduce water runoff.

• Survey land for gully plugging using locally available materials.

• Stack or tie together lodged crops to prevent rot.

• Sow short-duration crops like maize, pulses, and oilseeds by the first week of June.

For Terrace Rice Cultivation (WRC/Pani Kheti)

• Stagger nursery sowing by two weeks to hedge against erratic weather.

• Prepare side drains to protect nursery beds from flash floods.

• Begin early field preparation and consider direct seeding to save labor costs.

• Use single, young seedlings for better yields once transplanting begins.

Impact on Irrigation and City Life

In urban areas like Mumbai, the sudden stop in rainfall is already impacting irrigation plans. The city, which received heavy rainfall on May 26 and 27—135 mm and 164 mm respectively—now faces a sharp heat spell. (Why delay planting after early monsoon)

This back-and-forth weather pattern has left both farmers and city residents scrambling.

Daily commuters face long, hot days on the road. For those in agriculture, the halt has brought uncertainty, especially after initial rains seemed promising.

Price Spike in Vegetables

Markets are already reacting.

Vegetable prices have surged due to rain-related supply chain disruptions and a brief spike in transportation costs. Onion prices have jumped in many districts, adding to household expenses already strained by rising fuel, education, and healthcare costs.

Consumers are struggling to manage household budgets. For families already living on tight margins, this short-term inflation is a significant burden.

Long-Term Outlook

Experts warn that such erratic monsoon behavior is becoming more common.

This year’s early arrival followed by an abrupt break illustrates the growing unpredictability of seasonal patterns. Meteorologists and climate scientists believe that future planning must include both early and delayed onset scenarios.

The government is urging local agricultural bodies to step up community awareness programs and promote climate-resilient farming techniques. More farmers are being encouraged to adopt crop diversification, switch to short-duration varieties, and invest in water conservation techniques.

This is not just a delayed monsoon. It’s a warning about shifting climate behavior and the need to adapt quickly. If you’re a farmer, don’t rush to sow your fields. Wait for stable rains. If you live in the city, prepare for heat, delays, and rising costs. Watch the skies—but keep your plans flexible. Rain will come. But patience now can save your crops—and your income—later