The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast below-normal rainfall for July, the most crucial month for the southwest monsoon and kharif sowing. While some regions may receive normal to above-normal rain, most parts of India are expected to see a rainfall deficit. The forecast could have implications for agriculture, food inflation, farm incomes and economic growth.

India's kharif sowing acreage drops 23% due to a 42% deficient monsoon, impacting crop production amid Super El Nino forecasts.

If the June rainfall ends up with 10 cm, the precipitation during July-September period needs to be 68.17 cm, which is still short of 3% of normal for the period

Only 9 out of 36 meteorological subdivisions, having one-fourth share in India’s geographical area, have reported “normal or higher” rainfall