The threat of a strong El Niño still looming, rainfall in this year’s monsoon season varied by the month. June was one of the driest in India’s history, closing at a 35% deficit whereas July was 1% above normal. This ‘normal’ rainfall in July was largely driven by Central India whereas East and South India had a large deficit. As of August 26, the all India seasonal rainfall stands at a 13% deficit, in keeping with the weather agency’s forecast of a below-normal monsoon. The deficit is still most pronounced in East and South India.
There have also been floods or flood-like situations in Assam, Himachal Pradesh, and parts of the National Capital Region, Uttar Pradesh etc. What does this mean for India’s primary cropping season, that is, Kharif? What does this mean for farmers, foodgrain production, food prices and ultimately, for consumers?
