Northwest India Becomes Drier While South India Becomes Wetter, IMD Study Finds
What Happened?
A new study by the IMD reveals that northwest India has become drier over the past 70 years, with its dry climate zone expanding, while southern India has seen increased rainfall.
Key points
- Northwest India's dry climate zone expanded from 25% to 33% of its area from 1951-2020.
- The hot semi-arid zone in northwest India grew significantly, while the temperate zone shrank.
- Southern India reported an increase in rainfall, leading to a reduction in its hot semi-arid zone.
- The study warns that changes could impact paddy cultivation in northern India.
- The research was conducted by IMD and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology.
Key insights
- The shift in climate zones may necessitate changes in agricultural practices in affected areas.
- Farm sector policymakers could use this study to adapt strategies for changing climate conditions.
- Monitoring rainfall patterns will be crucial for farmers in the north.
Why it matters
The study highlights significant climate shifts that could affect agricultural practices in key farming regions.
Source
Times of India