1. Why it Matters for Best Outcomes

Water is life for a farm. Even fertile soil and good seeds cannot deliver without reliable water. Rainfall — its season of arrival, total quantity, and frequency of showers — defines how well crops establish and grow. Farms that depend mainly on rainfall are highly vulnerable to its irregularities. Understanding water source reliability is crucial for deciding crop type, sowing time, and long-term investment in irrigation.

2. When Rainfall Source is Favorable

If rainfall arrives on time, in the right quantity, and is well-distributed, farming is smoother and less risky. Crops germinate reliably, livestock fodder is assured, and groundwater is naturally recharged. Even a rain-fed farm in such a zone can produce stable yields, often without costly irrigation. Regular rainfall patterns reduce farmer anxiety and increase willingness to invest in better seeds or practices.

3. When Rainfall Source is Unfavorable

Unpredictable rains — either arriving late, stopping early, or coming in sudden heavy bursts — create uncertainty. Too little rain leads to crop failure, while too much rain in a short span can cause flooding, soil erosion, and nutrient loss. Farmers in such areas struggle to plan crops, often shifting to low-value hardy crops or depending on distress migration. The unreliability of rainfall reduces confidence in investing in high-value or long-duration crops.