The forecast raises concerns for the ongoing kharif sowing season as July typically accounts for the largest share of the four-month monsoon rainfall and is crucial for crops such as paddy, pulses and oilseeds.
The long-period average rainfall for July, based on data from 1971-2020, is 280.4 mm, Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, director general of IMD, said. Sowing of kharif crops across India declined to nearly 18.27 million hectares, or about 22.73% year-on-year till June 25, as rainfall deficiency touches 40%, according to government data, indicating delayed planting across several states.
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Regionally, below-normal rainfall is likely over most parts of the country. However, parts of northwest and northeast India, east-central India and the eastern peninsular region are expected to receive normal to above-normal rainfall.