Delayed monsoon and deficient rainfall, with 315 districts potentially affected, are raising concerns for the upcoming kharif crop sowing. Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan highlighted that 111 districts, particularly 20 in Maharashtra, are highly vulnerable due to limited irrigation. Despite a weaker monsoon forecast, current kharif coverage is slightly ahead of last year.

India's monsoon has begun with a significant rainfall deficit, impacting kharif sowing, particularly for pulses and cotton. While reservoir levels offer a buffer, a prolonged dry…

Even as sufficient reservoir levels are expected to provide a safe buffer for irrigation, the firm stressed the need for close monitoring given the current pattern of monsoon

Centre, States, banks should be geared up

India activates contingency plans as rainfall deficit hits 40%, with strong grain stocks and irrigation systems helping manage monsoon uncertainty.

India is implementing contingency plans for over 300 vulnerable districts facing a potentially weak monsoon. With rains currently 43% below average and a forecast for continued…