Satellite data application in the study of variability of dates of onset of Indian summer monsoon and its influence on yield of crops

Agriculture in India is strongly dependent on rainfall. Besides the quantum of rainfall, the timely commencement of rainy season (onset of monsoon) has also dominating influence on the yield of crops. Timely sowing especially in case of crops grown under rainfed condition gives better yields. It is therefore necessary that the beginning of cropping season is linked with the first monsoon rainfall which would provide the required moisture for the sowing operations. The most variable nature of onset and subsequent behaviour of summer monsoon season makes the task difficult for the farmers and planners to plan their cropping strategies and to estimate the final yield. The year to year variability of dates of onset of monsoon over different parts of India have been studied based on satellite derived data. The yield of different crops under early, normal and late onset are also studied. Delayed onset, is found to have adverse effect on the yields.