Weak rainfall in the week ended Thursday over most parts of west and central India, including Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, resulted in showers 41% below the weekly normal. This pushed up the country’s seasonal monsoon deficit by 1 percentage point to 21%. Though September rainfall doesn’t contribute substantially to the summer crop, it’s important for the forthcoming winter season. Wheat, which makes up 72% of the country’s foodgrain, is primarily grown during winter.
Also See The Monsoon Shortfall (Graphics)
However, a good crop depends on adequate soil moisture levels as well as sufficient water in the country’s reservoirs. Though key reservoirs of India, shown below, are only 76% of last year’s levels, they are 85% of the last 10 years’ average—adequate for a good winter crop.
Graphics by Sandeep Bhatnagar / Mint