The southwest monsoon has staged a strong comeback in July after one of its weakest starts in recent years, sharply reducing India’s rainfall deficit and lifting optimism over the ongoing kharif season. However, experts caution that the recovery, while encouraging, doesn’t eliminate the risks associated with El Niño. They say that the next few weeks will be crucial for crop development and overall agricultural output.
Following above-normal rainfall during the first week of July, rainfall deficit in the country narrowed to about 12% as of July 9 from nearly 40% at the end of June, as per India Meteorological Department.
