Topic
rainfall deficit
Commodities Gujarat Records 33% Rainfall Deficit Yet Kharif Sowing Crosses 50 Lakh Hectares
Gujarat has recorded a 33% rainfall deficit, yet kharif sowing has reached 50.83 lakh hectares, about 60% of the three-year average. The deficit has caused lower acreage for water-intensive crops like cotton (-4.3%), groundnut (-15%), and paddy (-34%), while soybean and pulses have seen increases. Eight districts face large deficient rainfall, and 14 others report deficits.
Commodities Kharif Sowing Gap Narrows Despite Widening Rainfall Deficit, Dolat Capital Report Shows
India's kharif sowing gap with last year narrowed sharply even as the cumulative rainfall deficit widened from 15% on July 8 to 23.8% on July 19, according to a Dolat Capital report. Total kharif acreage reached 658.19 lakh ha as of July 17, with rice nearly catching up to last year's pace, while pulses, coarse cereals, oilseeds, and cotton also reduced their shortfalls. Sugarcane remained ahead of last year.
Commodities Central India Rain Deficit Marginally Down as Monsoon Revives Over Past Two Days
The monsoon has revived over the past two days, reducing Central India's rainfall deficit to below 60%. The all-India shortfall remains at 42%, but forecasters expect a stronger monsoon phase next week aided by a likely low-pressure area off the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coast. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) provide detailed regional outlooks.
Commodities India Prepares District-Level Contingency Plans as Rainfall Deficit Reaches 40%
India is experiencing a 40% rainfall deficit, prompting the government to activate district-level contingency plans. Agriculture Commissioner PK Singh highlighted improved irrigation infrastructure since the 2015 El Niño and adequate rice and wheat reserves. Farmers may shift to pulses due to delayed monsoon, with imports possible if shortages arise.