IMD Forecasts Below-Normal August Rainfall — How Farmers Should Adjust Nutrient Management

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast below-normal rainfall across parts of India during August, increasing the likelihood of dry spells in many agricultural regions. While rainfall patterns vary by location, farmers should closely monitor local weather updates and plan irrigation and nutrient applications accordingly. Dry weather can reduce nutrient uptake because crops require adequate soil moisture to absorb nutrients efficiently. Applying fertilizers at the wrong time during prolonged dry conditions may reduce nutrient-use efficiency and increase production costs. Farmers should avoid applying nitrogen fertilizers immediately before an expected dry spell. Where irrigation is available, nitrogen applications should be timed after irrigation or before a forecast of effective rainfall. Split applications of nitrogen generally improve nutrient efficiency compared with a single heavy dose. Zinc and sulphur are also important for healthy crop growth. Zinc supports root development and plant metabolism, while sulphur is essential for protein formation. If a soil test or crop symptoms indicate deficiencies, timely correction can help maintain crop performance. Practical recommendations for this season include monitoring local weather forecasts, scheduling irrigation carefully, conducting soil testing before major fertilizer applications, and applying balanced nutrition based on crop needs rather than increasing fertilizer quantity. Weather conditions may vary significantly between districts. Farmers should always follow local advisory services and official IMD updates before making crop management decisions.