Page 32 - Water Every Drop Counts

MONSOONS : A THUNDERING IMPORTANCE

Monsoons are strong, often violent
winds that change direction with
the season. Monsoon winds blow
from cold to warm regions (from
the land toward the sea in winter,
and from the sea toward land in
the summer).

India’s climate is dominated by
monsoons as it accounts for 80 per
cent of the rainfall in India. Even a
minor delay in its onset can have
an adverse effect on the economy.
Monsoon is also a key determinant
of agricultural output, inflation,
consumer spending and overall
economic growth.
Due to low penetration of irrigation
systems 3/5th of India’s arable land
is dry and parched and depends on
monsoonal rain for the most critical
input for farming - water.
Not surprising at all, about half of
India’s farm output comes from
crops sown during the June-
September rainy season.

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