Rain deficiency down to 12%

Rainfall deficiency has been reduced to -12 % due to heavy monsoon rains in northern, central and eastern parts of the country during last few days, met department data noted. Agricultural scientists and policy makers say reduction in deficiency is a remarkable improvement from – 24 % rainfall deficit reported two weeks back.

This is expected to give further boost to kharif sowing in the northern and western parts of the country during next couple of weeks.

"Low pressure area over north-west Bay of Bengal and its movement, led to vigorous monsoon conditions in parts of northwest & central India," an official with India Meteorological Department (IMD) told FE.

"Rainfall would occur at most places over the west coast and north-eastern states with heavy to very heavy rainfall at one or two places. Rainfall would occur at many places over western Himalayan region, north Andhra Pradesh and central India," IMD stated in its weather prediction for the next few days.

The recent rains also imply that 70% of the country has got normal rains till now while rest of the areas had received deficient or scanty rains. The key deficient regions include — Punjab (-55%), Haryana (- 43%), Saurashtra & Kutch (- 79%), Gujarat region (- 46%), Madhya Maharashtra ( - 31%), Marathwada (- 39 %) & Northern Karnataka (-31%). Meanwhile a senior met department official said that the rainfall during next month is expected to be 'better' as monsoon is unlikely to be influenced by El Nino weather pattern.

The September rains is expected to help retain soil moisture for the forthcoming winter crops. "This month's rains have been in conformity with met department's forecast of 'normal' monsoon," Shailesh Nayak, secretary, ministry of earth science, has recently told FE.

FE reported last week that the rice sowing is completed in close to 33 million hectare against the normal sowing of 31.88 mh. Kharif rice is usually sown in around 39.1 mh across the country. Although the coverage under rice cultivation has declined comparison to last year sowing of 34.2 mh, agricultural scientist say initial worries about the deficient monsoon has largely been avoided.

... contd.

ALSO READ

Resilient in comeback: Gold heads for 4% weekly gain despite profit-booking

Centre to take call on sugar decontrol before Budget

DGH to invite bids for seven CBM blocks under fifth round of auction

Is gold’s bull-run over after 12 years of gains?