After brief burst of rain, monsoon in dry phase, deficit rises to 18%
India's monsoon season has entered a dry phase, increasing the national rainfall deficit to 18% despite earlier improvements. The shortfall threatens agricultural sowing activities, particularly in regions heavily dependent on seasonal rains.
Why it matters
The weak monsoon, exacerbated by El Nino, poses a significant risk to India's food security and agricultural economy.
NEW DELHI: India's monsoon has weakened again after a week of good showers slashed the nationwide rainfall deficit from 40% at the end of June to 14% by July 9. The current dry phase has widened the overall nationwide shortfall to 18% on Sunday, which could increase further next week.IMD on Sunday predicted "subdued rainfall activity" over plains of north-west and west-central India, and over south Peninsular India during the next six-seven days.The dry spell could undermine last week's gain in sowing activity.
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