India's monsoon rains turned below average for the week ended on Thursday after turning above average in the previous week for the first time in the four-month season. Rainfall was 22% below average in the week through July 18 as against 1% above average rains in the previous week, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
Total rainfall from June 1 to July 18 was 22% below average, fanning concerns about a possible drought this year instead of average rainfall expected by the Government at the start of the season. The IMD will update its official forecast by the end of July.
A drought is declared if rainfall turns out to be less than 90% of long-term average. India suffered a drought in 2009, when monsoon rainfall was 22% below average
Sowing of pulses and rice has been behind schedule, prompting Agriculture Minister, Sharad Pawar, to warn about a possible shortfall in foodgrains output, particularly rice.
Food Minister K.V. Thomas has said that output of pulses (lentils) could fall.
Domestic supplies of rice and wheat is pretty good after bumper harvests in the past two years. Mid-August will be the time to decide on exports, when the strength of the monsoon will be clear, Thomas said recently. India currently allows unrestricted exports of rice, wheat and sugar.
The agriculture sector accounts for ~15% of India's economy, Asia's third-largest.