Weather department fearing India’s first drought in 6 years

With the unforeseen weather conditions this year, the weather department, in its recent report, has expressed its concern that India may be heading into its first drought situation in six years. The rain deficit has widened further by 10% and strengthened the El Nino weather pattern, said the report by the weather department.

Rains during June-September form the main deciding factor for how much farmers will end up earning annually, as more than half the farm land in India lacks proper irrigation facilities. Agriculture, accounts for about 15% of the country’s $2 trillion economy which means three-fifth of the 1.25 billion people depend on the farming for their survival.

As per a weather department official, the rainfall is likely to remain subdued even this week over most parts of the country. The official also raised concerns over the output from summer-sown crops like cotton, oilseeds, paddy and pulses.

Image: Indiatimes