August 23, 2022

The Indian summer monsoons usually last from June to September. However, the expected schedule changed tremendously this year, causing worries about paddy fields. Considering these fields require constant water to grow rice the connection between water patterns and patty fields is strong. Following China, India is the second largest producer and the biggest exporter of this food crop. 15 tonnes of rice yield could be at risk due to the fluctuation in India’s monsoon rain pattern. 

This variation in monsoon behavior is due to global warming. The increase in temperature allows our atmosphere to hold more water vapor, changing the monsoon behavior. The usual June to September monsoon season has now changed to less frequently occurring, but more intense storms. However, the storms are quickly followed by a very dry period. Because of the patty fields’ high demand for water, excessive rain is less of a problem than drought. The new short duration of excessive rain, followed by drought has had many effects on India´s overall patty field yield. 

Since India is the second largest producer of this crop, the schedule alteration has affected food security in many places. Indians across the country as well as importers of this food are all being affected by the decreasing production of rice.