The Meteorological Department said that so far this year the rainfall has been 20 percent less than normal. When the country's agriculture sector is dependent on rain, less rainfall can create a worrying situation for the country's agriculture sector. According to the Meteorological Department, there has been less rainfall than normal since June 1.
Except for some states in South India, most regions received less rainfall. In some states of the North-West, severe heat is still continuing, due to which people are troubled. An IMD official said that the monsoon is currently weak in the country, which is expected to improve in the near future. The monsoon in the country usually starts from Kerala on June 1 and covers all parts of the country by July 8. Due to which important agricultural crops like paddy, cotton, soybean and sugarcane prove useful.
Heat wave in UP kills 15 in Prayagraj and surrounding areas
The scorching heat in Prayagraj and its surrounding areas of Uttar Pradesh has become fatal. A total of 15 people died here on Monday due to rain and heat. Eight people died in Prayagraj, five in Kaushambi and two in Pratapgarh. The heat wave will continue for a few more days in the states of North India and the temperature in different areas will remain between 42 to 47.6 degrees. A red alert for heat wave has been declared in Delhi. Apart from Delhi, IMD has declared a red alert for heat wave in Haryana, Bihar, Jharkhand, UP and Punjab. Heavy to very heavy rains are expected in the north-eastern states.
Lack of rainfall affects crop production
The lack of rainfall is likely to adversely affect crop production, which could slow India's economic growth. Recent rainfall data show that the central regions of the country, where important crops such as soybean, cotton, sugarcane and pulses are grown, have seen a 29 per cent deficit in rainfall, while the southern states with a large paddy crop have received 19 per cent more rainfall. The north-eastern states have seen a 20% deficit in rainfall while the northwest has seen a 68% deficit. Good rains are crucial for India's Rs 3.5 trillion economy.