Early Monsoon and May Rainfalls Slightly Harm Vegetable Crop
Early Monsoon and Excessive May Rains: Impact on Onion and Tomato Crops
The early onset of the southwest monsoon, combined with substantial rainfall in May across Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Gujarat, has led to some minor repercussions for onion and tomato crops. Nonetheless, despite localized damage, the overall output of horticultural produce remains robust. While tomato prices in mandis have surged, retail prices have remained steady. A revival of the monsoon is anticipated following June 10.
In May, the nation experienced an average rainfall of over 85% above the normal levels. The timely arrival of the southwest monsoon, along with significant surplus precipitation in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Gujarat last month, has elicited only a marginally negative impact on horticultural production, particularly for crops such as onions and tomatoes. However, the resilient nature of overall horticulture production suggests that the sector’s contributions to agriculture’s economic value will not face adverse effects, given that this sector generally constitutes around one-third of the total gross value added in agriculture.
Reports from traders and farmers indicate that approximately 95% of the rabi onion crop in Maharashtra was harvested and stored by mid-May, with only a small fraction of the standing crop affected by the excessive rainfall. In fact, Maharashtra is responsible for over 40% of the nation’s total onion production. Bharat Digole, the president of the Maharashtra State Onion Producers’ Organisation, has dismissed concerns over supply shortages, as the rabi crop—which makes up about 70-75% of total production—is projected at 22.7 million tonnes for the 2024-25 crop year, marking an 18% increase compared to the previous year.
In Karnataka, substantial rainfall in critical tomato-growing areas such as the Kolar district has adversely influenced the crop, posing the likelihood of rising prices in the upcoming months. During May, Maharashtra recorded 159.4 mm of rainfall compared to a typical average of 14.4 mm, while Karnataka saw 219 mm—177% higher than the usual rainfall. Trading sources noted that mandi prices for tomatoes have surged by 10-25% across states including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Maharashtra over the past week, with the modal wholesale price climbing to Rs 1500 per quintal on Monday, up from Rs 1250 on May 24. However, retail prices for both tomatoes and onions remain unchanged, currently averaging Rs 20 per kg for these essential vegetables.
Ashok Kaushik, a prominent trader of tomatoes at Delhi’s Azadpur mandi, one of the largest wholesale fruit and vegetable markets, remarked that the effects of the unseasonal rains on standing crops will become apparent in output and pricing within a month. Officials have also cautioned that pre-monsoon showers will negatively affect yields of other vegetable crops. Meanwhile, sowing of kharif crops, including paddy and pulses, has begun in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, occurring a week earlier than usual.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department, the southwest monsoon established itself over Kerala on May 24, eight days ahead of its normal date of June 1, and advanced rapidly through Maharashtra, Karnataka, and northeastern states. Nevertheless, experts indicate that the progress of the monsoon has been hindered by the intrusion of dry air, with a revival expected post-June 10. The meteorological department has forecasted heavy to very heavy rainfall for the northeastern states over the next two days, which will likely decrease in intensity thereafter. Additionally, thunderstorms and strong winds are anticipated to continue affecting northwest India for the next three days.
