After stalling from June-end to mid-July, the southwest monsoon accelerated to close the deficit in long period average (LPA) of rainfall from 7% as on July 12 to just 4% as on August 8. The India Meteorological Department forecasts monsoon will remain normal for the rest of the season.

However, concerns around kharif sowing persist mainly because of uneven distribution of rainfall.

During the recovery phase (commencing July 13), the country received 2% lower rains than the LPA as on August 8. Rainfall was higher by 11% and 12% in North-west India and South peninsula region, respectively. The Central and East and North-east regions lagged 4% and 20% lower rains, respectively.

The patchy distribution of rains has perturbed many farmers. Gujarat, which accounts for 40% and 20% of total groundnut and cotton acreage, and Odisha, at 8% of total paddy acreage, are at a cumulative deficit of 43% and 28%, respectively. In contrast, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Haryana have received excessive rainfall as shown in the table below.