With significant rainfall activity over most parts of the country since July 1, there is hope that we may have escaped widespread drought. Yet, concerns abound.

As of July 20, the nationwide rainfall deficiency stands at 24%. Out of the 36 meteorological subdivisions, as many as 23 subdivisions, located mainly in the west, northwest, east, northeast and central parts of the country, have recorded a 25% to 50% deficiency. Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Bihar and Jharkhand, and parts of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka are affected. In other words, the spatial distribution of the southwest monsoon has been uneven after seven weeks into the season.

The latest report of the Central Weather Watch Group shows that the progress of area coverage for Kharif crops continues to lag last year's level. Across crops, the overall decline in planted area was 4.2 million hectares as of July 19. Acreage for coarse cereals and pulses is still lower than it was at this time last year........

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