Rainfall distribution patterns during the Southwest Monsoon in Kota District, Rajasthan (2018–2023) and their impact on crop production

This study investigates the rainfall distribution patterns during the southwest monsoon (SWM) in Kota district, Rajasthan, from 2018 to 2023, and their effects on crop production. Kota lies in the humid southeastern plain where agriculture depends primarily on rainfall, making the region vulnerable to droughts and floods due to monsoon variability. Rainfall data were recorded at the Agro-Meteorological Field Unit, ARS Kota, and categorized according to IMD classifications. Results revealed significant inter-annual variability in both total seasonal rainfall and weekly distribution, with notable extremes such as 1322.4 mm in 2019 (+48.92% above normal) and 497.7 mm in 2018 (−43.95% below normal). Onset and withdrawal dates of the monsoon varied widely, influencing sowing times, crop growth, and yield potential. Analysis showed that the amount, intensity, and temporal distribution of rainfall critically affect soil moisture availability, plant physiological processes, and yield outcomes. High-intensity rainfall often led to surface runoff and reduced infiltration, while well-distributed rainfall enhanced crop performance. Adaptation mechanisms in crops included morphological, physiological, and developmental responses to moisture stress, alongside management strategies to optimize resource use. The study emphasizes the importance of effective rainfall, timely sowing, and adaptive cropping patterns to mitigate the adverse impacts of rainfall variability under changing climatic conditions.