Monsoon to be normal in June, kharif sowing to pick up: IMD

Monsoon is expected to be normal in June boosting sowing of <g data-gr-id="30">kharif</g> <g data-gr-id="36">crops</g> but there are concerns about pick up in rainfall in the next month, a top Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) official said on Thursday.

“Total rainfall in June is likely to be normal encouraging <g data-gr-id="28">sowing</g> activity. The sowing of <g data-gr-id="29">kharif</g> (summer) crops will gather pace in the coming days,” IMD Director General L S Rathore told reporters after the launch of free SMS service to farmers on extreme weather conditions here.

Asked how rains will progress in the next month, he said, “As of now, there are concerns about rainfall pick up in the next month. Let’s see how <g data-gr-id="45">monsoon</g> will improve.”  He further said that rainfall in July month is crucial for achieving good production, “Once sowing is completed, distribution of rainfall is very important for crop growth.” 

Rainfall, as of Thursday is 11 <g data-gr-id="25">per cent</g> more than the average. IMD has warned that South-West monsoon rainfall will be weaker in <g data-gr-id="43">July,</g> when it is expected to be 92 <g data-gr-id="26">per cent</g> of the long-period average, and in August, when it will be 90 <g data-gr-id="27">per cent</g>. 

 So far, farmers in irrigated areas have started sowing. The progress in monsoon will help sowing to gather pace in rainfed areas.