Why is the Indian agriculture called the ‘Gamble of Monsoon’?

Agriculture along with its allied activities forms the main source of livelihood for majority of the Indian population. Owing to lack of proper irrigation facilities, Indian agriculture is solely dependent on the vagaries of monsoon in the country. The timely and adequately distributed rainfall during the monsoon months in the country aid the farmers to continue their agricultural activities. Lack of rainfall can lead to drought, while excessive rainfall can lead to floods, both of the situations being harmful for agricultural activities. Thus, Indian agriculture is called the ‘Gamble of Monsoon’.