As of now, Monsoon is running below normal over the country. The main reason for deficient Monsoon rains is subdued rainfall activity over the West Coast and Northeast India. These two regions are the highest contributors when it comes to rainfall during Monsoon.
Normally, heavy rain continues over Northeast India for the most part of Monsoon. But this year, barring a few episodes, rainfall over the region was not as vigorous as it generally is. In South India as well, coastal Karnataka, Kerala, and Konkan & Goa are deficient in terms of rainfall received as the western arm of Monsoon is not very active.
But all the above-mentioned regions are not known for their agricultural output during this time of the year. As a result, overall crop output fueled by Monsoon rains is not expected to suffer.
When we talk about the country’s agricultural output during Monsoon, the main areas for concern since last few weeks have been north interior Karnataka, Marathwada, Rayalaseema, Bihar, and East UP. Crops in these regions were in dire need of Monsoon rains for irrigation. In fact, conditions were grim as rainfall deficiency in these parts was touching alarming levels.
But since last few days, north interior Karnataka has been witnessing decent rainfall activity. Rayalaseema and Marathwada have also received scattered rainfall. Moreover, East Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are also expected to get good showers now. Simply speaking, some much-needed relief is on the way.
In last 24 hours, in north interior Karnataka, Bijapur recorded 7 mm of rain, Gadag 57.4 mm, Raichur 5 mm, and Madikeri received 1.4 mm of rainfall. In addition to this, parts of Rayalaseema also received scattered rainfall. Currently, a low pressure area settles over eastern parts of Bihar and adjoining Jharkhand. This system is expected to give good rains over Bihar, Jharkhand, and East UP. The trough from this system extends up to Rayalaseema and will be instrumental in providing rainfall over coastal Andhra Pradesh and Rayalaseema. Also, a feeble off-shore trough is seen over the West Coast and has given some rain over interior Karnataka.
To sum it up, while statistically rainfall in the country has remained below normal, the overall distribution of Monsoon rains has been good. As a result, overall crop output stemming from Monsoon fed lands is not likely to get affected as anticipated earlier. Numbers continue to indicate that rainfall in the country has been on the lower side, but from the agricultural perspective, all is well.
(Featured Image Credit: baltimoresun.com)
