Southwest Monsoon Deficit & Impact on Reservoir Storage and Agriculture

The Central Water Commission (CWC) and the Meteorological Department have stated that rainfall across the country during the 2026 Southwest Monsoon period has been 12.6% less than normal.

With water reserves in the country's 178 major reservoirs decreasing to 132.734 BCM, there is a risk of Kharif and Rabi season paddy, soybeans, and pulse cultivation being affected, leading to a reduction in food production targets.

📚 School Textbook Link: 10th Standard / 11th Standard · Geography / Economics · 10th Geography: Unit 2 (Climate) & Unit 3 (Agricultural Components) / 11th Economics: Indian Economy · Southwest Monsoon, Irrigation Methods, Agricultural Seasons (Kharif, Rabi) & Minimum Support Price

🎯 TNPSC Exam Key Notes:

• Southwest Monsoon period: June to September (divides into two branches: Arabian Sea branch and Bay of Bengal branch).
• Tamil Nadu's rainfall: During the Southwest Monsoon, Tamil Nadu receives less rainfall as it is a Rain Shadow Region.
• Tamil Nadu's main rainy season: Northeast Monsoon (October to December - accounts for about 48% of TN's rainfall).
• Kharif & Rabi seasons: Sowing periods are June (Kharif) and October (Rabi).
• Central Water Commission (CWC): An organization operating under the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti, headquartered in New Delhi.

📌 KEY FOR TNPSC:

• The Southwest Monsoon originates in the Arabian Sea, strikes the Western Ghats, and brings heavy rainfall to the west coast.
• Recommending Minimum Support Price (MSP) of the Central Government: CACP (Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices - 1965).