July rain forecast below par

AFTER A PARTICULARLY dry June, monsoon rains are likely to be below par in July, the wettest period in the four-month season through September, which accounts for over 70% of the country's annual precipitation.

- SANDIP DAS

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday forecast 'below-normal' rainfall of less than 94% of the benchmark long period average (LPA) for July, citing El Nino conditions evolving over the Pacific Ocean.

However, east-central India and the eastern peninsular region may see normal to above-normal rainfall, the IMD stated. Rains in July are crucial for boosting kharif sowing and replenishing reservoirs.

“In the first half of July, adequate rainfall is forecast especially in the rainfed monsoon core region of central India which is expected to give a boost to paddy and other crops sowing,” Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, director general of meteorology, IMD said.

Central India accounts for a third of the area under main kharif crops, namely paddy, pulses and oilseeds. Kharif sowing till last Friday was 23% down on year.