New Delhi, June 11 -- India's farm economy could see a surge in diesel consumption and electricity demand this kharif sowing season, as likely below-normal monsoon rains forces greater reliance on groundwater irrigation, experts said. Higher use of diesel-run pumps and electricity-powered tube wells are likely to raise farmers' costs and add pressure on the already-stressed power utilities, they said.

India's agriculture remains heavily dependent on South-West monsoon, which accounts for over 70% of the country's annual rainfall. The season's rains are also crucial for reservoir replenishment.

The agriculture sector accounts for two-fifths of India's overall annual diesel demand of about 92 million tonnes, and for one-fifth of the total...