New Delhi: In a major relief to the government, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said that the rainfall deficit in the country as a whole has come down to 21 per cent from 25 per cent.
A fortnight ago, the country was witnessing 43 per cent of rain deficiency but the good rainfall received after the revival of southwest monsoon during past two weeks has brought relief to drought stricken farmers.
The IMD data states that the country has received around 363 millimeter rainfall against the normal rainfall of around 462 millimeter since June 1 to till date.
Of all the regions, northwest India reported the highest rainfall deficiency of 34 per cent followed by 26 per cent in east and northeast.
The central region reported 12 per cent deficiency while the South Peninsula region witnessed 19 per cent rain deficit.
According to the Agriculture Ministry, after the revival of monsoon, the sowing of kharif crops has picked up in various parts of the country. So far 706 lakh hectare has been brought under the cultivation of kharif crops.
