Archive · 19 Jul 2026
Erratic Monsoon Delays Aman Cultivation in West Bengal
Farmers in West Bengal are having a tough time because the monsoon rains are not coming on time and are uneven.
This is making it hard to grow Aman paddy, a type of rice.
Some areas have not gotten enough rain, so farmers are using pumps and tube wells to water their crops, which costs more money.
Experts are worried that if the rain doesn't come soon, the crops might not grow well, and the farmers could lose money.
The government is not too worried yet because there is still time for the rains to come, but farmers are feeling the pressure.
Delayed and uneven monsoon rainfall is affecting Aman paddy cultivation in West Bengal, particularly in Paschim Medinipur district.
India has a 23% rainfall deficit since June, with more than half of the country receiving less rain than usual.
Despite overall near-normal rainfall in West Bengal, some districts like Murshidabad, Malda, and Jhargram have significant rainfall deficits.
Farmers are incurring higher costs due to the need for groundwater irrigation, with expenses reaching Rs 8,000 per bigha.
Experts warn that delayed transplantation could reduce yields and increase the risk of pests and diseases.
- Who
- Farmers in West Bengal, especially in Paschim Medinipur district
- What
- Delayed and uneven monsoon rainfall affecting Aman paddy cultivation
- When
- Since June, with the rest of the monsoon season uncertain
- Where
- West Bengal, particularly districts like Murshidabad, Malda, Uttar Dinajpur, Birbhum, Purulia, and Jhargram
- Why
- Erratic monsoon patterns due to El Niño conditions, leading to increased cultivation costs and potential yield reductions
- Rainfall Deficit
- 23% since June
- Aman Paddy Cultivation Area
- 3.8 lakh hectares in West Midnapore
- Cost Increase
- Rs 8,000 per bigha for seedbed preparation and transplantation
- Rainfall in Gangetic West Bengal
- 5% below normal
- Rainfall in North Bengal
- 3% above normal
- Affected Districts
- Murshidabad, Malda, Uttar Dinajpur, Birbhum, Purulia, Jhargram