Give the characteristics and effects of the monsoon rainfall in India.

Characteristics of monsoon rainfall in India:

1. The duration of monsoon is 100-120 days from first week of June to mid september.
2. Monsoon rainfall occurs in wet and dry spells taking place only for a few days at a time. They are interspersed with rainless intervals.
3. The rainfall is unevenly distributed throughout the country. The western coast, northeastern states, and the Himalayan foothills receive more rainfall, while the northwestern (Rajasthan and parts of Gujarat) and central parts (interior of Deccan plateau and parts of Madhya Pradesh) of India receive relatively less rainfall.
4. Monsoon winds are seasonal and influenced by various atmospheric conditions. This gives them an uncertain character. The annual rainfall is highly variable from year to year.

Effects of monsoon rainfall in India:

1. The inflow of south east monsoon bring about total change in weather of the country. There is relief from scorching hot summers.
2. The Indian agricultural heavily relies on the monsoon. Adequate rainfall is crucial for the cultivation of crops such as rice, wheat, sugarcane, cotton, and pulses. A deficient monsoon can lead to droughts, crop failures, and food shortages.
3. Its uneven nature brings flood in some places and results in drought in other places.
4. The monsoon rainfall replenishes India's water resources, including rivers, reservoirs, and groundwater aquifers.