Bhubaneswar: Odisha is likely to experience below-normal rainfall during monsoon this year, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in its long-range forecast released on Tuesday, a news that has come as worry for farmers as it could affect sowing of seeds.
"The state is likely to witness a mixed seasonal rainfall with some portion receiving normal and others experiencing below-normal rain," said IMD director general Mrutyunjay Mohapatra after releasing the country's seasonal rainfall forecast in New Delhi.
Mohapatra told the media that parts of the state, particularly central and northern Odisha, would experience deficit rainfall from June to September. Similarly, south and north-coastal pockets could receive more rain, he said. Mohapatra, however, pointed out that the state would receive normal rainfall during June.
The DG said chances of monsoon hitting Odisha is not clear. He said condition is favourable for further advancement of the south-west monsoon and that Odisha could expect monsoon to hit between June 10 and 15.
