Tripura is grappling with a 17% rainfall deficit in the ongoing southwest monsoon season, raising concerns for agriculture, horticulture, and water security. As per the latest data released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the state has received 420 mm rainfall against a normal of 506 mm till the first week of July, categorising it under the ‘deficit’ bracket.
🌧️ District-wise rainfall scenario: Dhalai driest, Khowai wettest
Among the eight districts, Dhalai has emerged as the driest, recording nearly 37% less rainfall compared to the season’s average. In contrast, Khowai is the wettest district, having received marginally excess rainfall, offering some respite to farmers.
| District | Actual Rainfall (mm) | Normal Rainfall (mm) | Departure (%) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dhalai | 380 | 600 | -37% | Deficit |
| Gomati | 410 | 520 | -21% | Deficit |
| West Tripura | 430 | 500 | -14% | Normal |
| South Tripura | 415 | 490 | -15% | Normal |
| North Tripura | 400 | 480 | -17% | Deficit |
| Unakoti | 405 | 470 | -14% | Normal |
| Sepahijala | 420 | 500 | -16% | Deficit |
| Khowai | 530 | 490 | +8% | Excess |
🗓️ Monsoon behaviour: Weak onset and intermittent breaks
Meteorologists attribute the deficit to:
- Delayed monsoon onset by nearly a week.
- Intermittent dry spells due to subdued Bay of Bengal circulation.
- Lack of strong low-pressure systems crossing central India into northeast.
🔍 Impact on agriculture and water resources
The rainfall deficit has raised concerns over:
- Delayed sowing of kharif paddy and pulses.
- Moisture stress affecting germination and early growth stages.
- Potential shortage of drinking water if deficit persists into August.
The Tripura Agriculture Department has instructed field officers to promote short-duration paddy varieties and drought-resilient crops in vulnerable areas to mitigate production losses.
🗣️ Expert opinions and official statements
Director of IMD Tripura centre, Dr. Partha Debbarma, stated:
“Though Khowai district has received excess rainfall, most districts remain under deficit due to uneven distribution. Recovery is possible if July and August receive normal to above-normal rains.”
Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath convened a review meeting to assess contingency planning, directing district agriculture officers to keep seed reserves ready for resowing in case of crop failures.
🚜 Farmer concerns amid uncertain monsoon
Farmers in Dhalai, Gomati, and North Tripura expressed fears of:
- Low paddy yields affecting household food security.
- Drying of ponds crucial for fish farming and livestock.
- Increased dependence on tube wells, raising irrigation costs.
🔬 IMD’s seasonal forecast: Possibility of revival
According to IMD’s extended forecast, monsoon currents are likely to strengthen mid-July onwards due to developing low-pressure systems in the Bay of Bengal, which may cover the deficit if rains persist through August.
💡 Recommended adaptive measures
| Area | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Promotion of drought-tolerant paddy, pulses, and millets |
| Water management | Revival of check dams and community water harvesting |
| Fisheries | Stocking fingerlings post rainfall revival |
| Livestock | Fodder storage and alternative feed planning |
| Community awareness | Weather advisories via panchayats and radio updates |
📊 Tripura’s rainfall performance over last 5 years
| Year | Rainfall Departure (%) | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | +6% | Normal to excess |
| 2021 | -12% | Deficit |
| 2022 | +4% | Normal |
| 2023 | -8% | Deficit |
| 2024 | -17% (current) | Deficit |
Consistent rainfall shortfall in recent years underlines the impact of climate variability and changing monsoon patterns in northeast India.
🔭 Looking ahead: Preparedness key amid climate risks
Experts urge state and district administrations to integrate climate-resilient planning, invest in rainwater harvesting, micro-irrigation, and ensure crop insurance penetration to protect farmer incomes amid erratic monsoon behaviour.
✅ Disclaimer
This news report is based on IMD data, official statements, and local inputs. Readers are advised to follow government weather bulletins and agriculture advisories before sowing, input applications, and harvest planning.
