Archive · 28 May 2025
Early Monsoon Brings Relief, But May Hike Food Prices
India's early monsoon is good news for the heat, but it might make food more expensive.
Heavy rains are hurting crops like onions and tomatoes, which could raise prices in stores.
The weather department expects even more rain than usual.
Because of this, the group that controls money in India might have a hard time keeping prices from going up too much.
The situation is being watched closely to see how it impacts the economy.
Early monsoon onset in India brings potential for rising food prices.
Heavy rainfall has damaged crops, particularly onions and tomatoes, in key agricultural regions.
IMD forecasts above-normal rainfall for the 2025 monsoon season.
Vegetable prices have already increased due to supply disruptions.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) may face challenges in maintaining its inflation target.
- Who
- Farmers, consumers, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
- What
- Early monsoon onset and heavy rainfall causing crop damage and potential food price increases.
- When
- Early signs are appearing in May 2025, with implications expected in the coming weeks and months.
- Where
- India, specifically agricultural regions like Maharashtra.
- Why
- The early monsoon and heavy rainfall are disrupting the supply of agricultural goods, potentially increasing inflation.
- Onion Price (Lasalgaon)
- Rs 1,150 per quintal (May 20, 2025)
- Tomato Price Increase
- 10-25% in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh (last week)
- Maharashtra Crop Damage
- 34,842 hectares affected
- RBI Inflation Target (FY26)
- 4%
- IMD Monsoon Prediction
- Above-normal rainfall (106% of long-term average)
Sources
Above normal rainfall likely in June, predicts weather department
IMD predicts ‘above normal’ monsoon with 106% rainfall
Above-normal rainfall forecast across India in June and monsoon season: IMD
IMD retains ‘above normal’ rainfall outlook for monsoon
Rainfall likely to be below normal in NE: IMD
Very heavy rainfall in Goa today, tomorrow
Gujarat likely to see above-normal monsoon