The record
Written from the 1 report below. Nothing here is unsourced.
- Kharif crop sowing in India stands at 105.2 million hectares, 3.6% below last year's levels, despite a revival of monsoon rains in July.
- The shortfall reflects a rain-deficient June and uneven rainfall distribution, with eastern, northeastern and southern India facing significant deficits.
- The India Meteorological Department has forecast below-normal rainfall for August and September as El Nino conditions strengthen, raising concerns about crop yields.
- Experts quoted in the report suggest overall food output may fall this season, potentially leading to higher imports of commodities like edible oils, pulses and cotton.
What to watch next
- IMD's August-September rainfall, with El Nino expected to strengthen
- Whether the sowing gap narrows further, given the sowing window closes by mid-July
- Rainfall deficits of 20-40% in key states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Bihar
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Named India · Gujarat · Haryana · Madhya Pradesh · Maharashtra · Odisha · Tamil Nadu · Telangana · Uttar Pradesh · Agriculture Ministry · G. Chandrashekhar · India Meteorological Department
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