Millions of farmers across India are awaiting the monsoon, which is not merely an annual weather event but sustains their lands and livelihoods. Maharashtra has reported minus 86% deficient rainfall so far in the monsoon season. Sowing of kharif crops is delayed. A ground report from Pune and Satara districts.

Millions of farmers across India are awaiting the monsoon, which is not merely an annual weather event but sustains their lands and livelihoods. Maharashtra has reported minus 86% deficient rainfall so far in the monsoon season. Sowing of kharif crops is delayed. A ground report from Pune and Satara districts.

While several states in north India are reeling under massive floods, in Peninsular India farmers are staring at drought conditions due to deficient monsoon rainfall. Situation might worsen in the coming month due to El Niño, warns spokesperson of Skymet Weather.

While several states in north India are reeling under massive floods, in Peninsular India farmers are staring at drought conditions due to deficient monsoon rainfall. Situation might worsen in the coming month due to El Niño, warns spokesperson of Skymet Weather.

Because of deficient rainfall in the monsoon season, All India Kisan Sabha has raised a demand to declare drought in Marathwada region, which has already reported 685 farmer suicides till August 31 this year.

As per the India Meteorological Department, between June 1 and September 30 which marks the monsoon season, there was six per cent more rainfall than normal. However, 195 districts in the country reported deficient rainfall which has had an adverse effect on this year’s food production in the country.