According to a USDA Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) report, which includes information from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the late retreat of the southwest monsoon extended the total period of monsoon. Precipitation totaled 874.6mm between June 1 and September 30. This level of precipitation is almost similar to the average of 880.6mm observed over a long period (1961-2010).

 

There are, however, some variations across the country: monsoon precipitation was almost normal over the northwest (96%) as well as over the center (104%) but slightly below normal over the east and the northeast (88%) and clearly above normal over the south (111%).

 

Of the 36 meteorological subdivisions of India, 20 subdivisions (58% of the total area) received normal seasonal precipitation, 6 subdivisions (17% of the total area) received insufficient precipitation and 10 subdivisions (25% of the total area). total area) received excessive precipitation.

 

Monsoon rains have also improved water storage levels in reservoirs, which portends an increase in agricultural production.

 

The Central Water Commission monitors the storage levels of 130 reservoirs across the country every week. Its latest bulletin estimates the storage in these reservoirs at 138.327 billion cubic meters, a level significantly higher than the average of the last 10 years of 132.962 billion cubic meters.

 

States with higher percentage storage levels than last year for the corresponding period are Jharkhand, West Bengal, Nagaland, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana.

 

 

source : apps.fas.usda.gov, mausam.imd.gov.in

 

Monsoon normal this year, reservoirs show good levels, agricultural production is expected to increase (Photo: hindustantimes.com).