The record
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- Kerala has recorded a 35% monsoon rainfall deficit between June 1 and July 21, with 12 of 14 districts classified as deficient, according to IMD data.
- Wayanad and Idukki are the worst hit, with deficits of 61% and 59% respectively.
- The dry spell is damaging crops cultivated for the Onam festival, including flowers like marigold and jasmine used for Pookkalams and Nendran bananas, which need steady moisture during key growth stages.
- Experts warn that continued weak monsoon conditions could cause supply shortages, heavy reliance on imports from Tamil Nadu, and steep price spikes during the festival season.
What to watch next
- Whether monsoon rainfall picks up through the rest of July, as experts say persistent weakness will worsen the damage
- Scale of flower imports from Tamil Nadu as local yields fall
- Retail prices of Onam food crops like Nendran banana as the festival approaches
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Named in · Ernakulam · Idukki · Kollam · Palakkad · Thiruvananthapuram · Thrissur · Wayanad · India Meteorological Department · Sasidharan · Sujith · Tamil Nadu
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