Despite Strong Monsoon, One-Third of Indian Districts Face Rain Deficit
10-Jul-2025 03:57 PM
New Delhi. Although the southwest monsoon arrived in India about a week ahead of schedule this year and officially covered the entire country by the end of June, uneven rainfall distribution has left nearly one-third of the districts facing a rainfall deficit.
According to data from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), as of July 8, the country received 15 percent more rainfall than the normal national average.
While most regions reported favorable conditions, 33.5 percent of districts recorded insufficient or excessive rainfall, creating challenges for Kharif crop cultivation.
Despite this, the overall sowing condition of Kharif crops at the national level remains good, with the total area under cultivation increasing by 11 percent compared to the same period last year (as of July 4).
Authorities are closely monitoring rain-deficient areas, as agricultural activities there remain at risk. Experts believe that sufficient rainfall in July could help accelerate sowing in affected regions.
States currently experiencing significant rainfall shortages include Bihar, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana.
As of July 9, 87 percent of districts in Bihar were facing rainfall deficits, followed by 60 percent in Assam, about 54 percent in Andhra Pradesh, 52.6 percent in Tamil Nadu, and 51.5 percent in Telangana. Additionally, many regions in Maharashtra and Karnataka are also in need of rainfall.
Available data indicates that 33 districts in Bihar, 21 in Assam, 14 in Andhra Pradesh, 20 in Tamil Nadu, 17 in Telangana, 12 in Karnataka, and 28 in Uttar Pradesh are experiencing below-normal rainfall.
Out of a total of 738 districts across the country, 247 are currently dealing with rainfall shortages—an issue that is raising serious concern. In Karnataka, 39 percent of districts are classified as rain-deficient.
India typically receives the highest rainfall during July and August, so there is still time for improvement. However, while some areas are witnessing heavy rainfall leading to flood threats, others remain dry, disrupting crop sowing efforts and impacting the agricultural cycle.