Archive · 30 Aug 2026
Monsoon Shortfall Raises Crop, Water Concerns in Madhya Pradesh
Parts of Madhya Pradesh have received much less rain than last year.
This is especially serious in Kukshi and Alirajpur district.
Farmers say their Kharif crops are still in fairly good condition, but they need more rain soon.
Some farmers are already using irrigation for cotton.
Water levels in rivers, ponds and other storage areas are low.
This could make the next Rabi farming season harder and may affect drinking water.
Chilli plants are reportedly affected by disease, and other crops face pests.
Farming costs have also increased.
Farmers hope September brings enough rain to protect crops and village livelihoods.
Kukshi, Bagh, Nisarpur and Dahi recorded rainfall deficits of 205, 279, 143 and 167 mm by the end of August.
Alirajpur district received 2,396.8 mm of rain from June 1 to August 30, compared with 5,844.4 mm during the same period last year.
Kharif crops remain broadly satisfactory but need one or two good spells of rain, while some farmers have begun irrigating cotton.
Low water levels in rivers, ponds, barrages and stop dams are raising concerns about Rabi cultivation and drinking water.
Farmers are also facing chilli disease, crop pests and higher input and irrigation costs while awaiting widespread September rain.
- Who
- Farmers in the Kukshi region and Alirajpur district, along with local agriculture officials.
- What
- Rainfall deficits and extended dry spells are raising concerns about crops, water supplies, rural incomes and employment.
- When
- By the end of August; Alirajpur's comparison covers June 1 through August 30, 2026.
- Where
- Kukshi, Bagh, Nisarpur and Dahi in Madhya Pradesh, as well as Alirajpur district's tehsils.
- Why
- Rainfall has been substantially below last year's levels and has been uneven, reducing soil moisture and water availability.
- Kukshi rainfall
- 186 mm in 2026 versus 391 mm in 2025; deficit of 205 mm.
- Bagh rainfall
- 255 mm in 2026 versus 534 mm in 2025; deficit of 279 mm.
- Nisarpur rainfall
- 147 mm in 2026 versus 290 mm in 2025; deficit of 143 mm.
- Dahi rainfall
- 226 mm in 2026 versus 393 mm in 2025; deficit of 167 mm.
- Alirajpur district rainfall
- 2,396.8 mm from June 1 to August 30, compared with 5,844.4 mm during the same period last year.
- Average rainfall decline
- The district average fell to 399.4 mm from 974 mm last year.
- Reported farming pressures
- Cotton irrigation, chilli disease, pest attacks and higher seed, fertilizer, pesticide and irrigation costs.