As monsoon weakens, Wayanad farmers in Kerala brace for a weak harvest

Neat rows of Robusta coffee shrubs, pepper vines climbing tall trees, and fruit-heavy exotic plants give Baby John’s 6.5-acre estate in Ambalavayal, Wayanad, an idyllic appearance. Yet beneath the dense greenery, the impact of a struggling monsoon is evident. Pepper spikes have sprouted but remain poorly formed, while coffee berries are ripening unevenly. The experienced farmer worries that the weak southwest monsoon could sharply cut this season’s yield.

Similar anxieties are being voiced across much of Wayanad, where deficient rainfall has hurt farm activity. The district received only 270.23 mm of rain in June, marking the lowest total for the month in the past five years, data from the Hume Centre for Ecology and Wildlife Biology show. Specialists link the shortfall to a delayed and subdued southwest monsoon, influenced by climate change and El Niño conditions.

Standing in his fields, Mr. John gestures toward pepper vines bearing thin and stunted spikes.

“Pepper vines usually start producing spikes after the summer showers, and these continue developing as the monsoon sets in before turning into berries. This year, inadequate rainfall has hampered their growth,” he explained. “Coffee plants flowered and formed berries after the summer rains, but the feeble monsoon in June has disrupted berry development. Consistent monsoon showers are essential for proper growth and size, and that has been missing this season.”

M. Manoj, who manages a 5.5-acre mixed-crop farm in Meenangadi, said patchy summer rains followed by a weak June monsoon have worsened the situation.

“Certain areas received early summer showers, prompting pepper vines to produce spikes initially. But the lack of rain during Thiruvathira Njattuvela — traditionally a spell of steady rainfall — stopped their development and may reduce output. Uneven summer showers also caused coffee plants to bloom at different times across estates. Farmers will now have to harvest in four or five phases, raising labour and production expenses,” Mr. Manoj said.

Paddy cultivation hit

Paddy farming has suffered significantly as well. With rainfall below average, many growers have not yet started transplanting seedlings. The delay has also disrupted timely fertiliser application, heightening fears of reduced yields.

C.K. Vishnudas, executive director of the Hume Centre for Ecology and Wildlife Biology, noted that Wayanad has historically seen intense monsoon rains and related natural calamities during the southwest monsoon.

“This year, however, the key issue is the steep rainfall deficit. Climate change–driven weakening of the Indian monsoon and the impact of El Niño over the Pacific Ocean are the main factors behind the severe shortfall in the district,” Mr. Vishnudas said, adding that forecasts for the coming weeks remain discouraging.

Among localities, Lakkidi recorded the highest June rainfall at 836 mm, while Mullankolly saw the least, with only 44 mm.

Crucial weeks ahead

Agricultural experts say the next few weeks will be vital for Wayanad’s farmers, particularly those cultivating pepper and paddy.

“Of all crops, paddy has been the hardest hit by the rainfall deficit. Good rainfall in July is also essential for pepper,” said P. Shajeesh Jan, associate professor at the Regional Agricultural Research Station in Ambalavayal under Kerala Agricultural University.