The Monsoon rains had covered almost entire India except some part of Gujarat and Rajasthan, until Sunday and is expected to cover the remaining parts in 48 hours, the Indian Meterological Department (IMD) said on Sunday.
Rainfall during the monsoon season assumes greater significance as 70% of the rains is needed to water farms, and recharge reservoirs and aquifiers. Paddy, along with some other oilseeds is a major kharif crops sown during the onset of monsoon, for harvesting in September-October season.
“Indeed the Monsoon has reached late this time. We expect good rainfall in Saurasthra, as well as southern and northen Gujarat during the next 48 hours. It will take some time for the Monsoon to cover the entire state and reach the Kutch region” said Director of Meterological centre Jayanta Sarkar.
With monsoon rains slow to start, arriving on June 8, sowing has taken a hit. Although good rains are a positive for prouction, they do not guarantee low food price inflaion. Monsoon is expected to cover entire India by mid-July.
In 2016, the monsoon is likely to deliver 106% rainfall of a long-term average.
India received deficit monsoon rainfall during the last two seasons, resulting in lower kharif and rabi crops output which ultimately resulted in rising food inflation in the last few months.
