27% less rainfall across the country: Fear of drought in many states including Gujarat

The worst rainfall of the season in August than July

Less than 50 mm of rainfall in many states, worrying farmers due to poor conditions in the remaining days of this month

Less than normal rainfall in 44 divisions across the country adversely affects agriculture, inflation likely to rise further

Only 15 mm of rain fell in Saurashtra this month. With 71% less rainfall in Gujarat: Hope on September

New Delhi: Amidst the Corona epidemic and weak economic situation, many states in the country are now facing drought. The country received below normal rainfall of 27 per cent in August.

The remaining days of the month are also not forecast to rain better. As a result, farmers are worried. The impact of weak rains could also be felt on the country's economy and inflation could still rise.

RK Jenamani, a senior meteorologist at the Meteorological Department, told the media that the situation was "extremely bad" in many states due to low rainfall. Many states did not even receive 50 per cent of normal rainfall in August.

Punjab, which has made significant contributions to agriculture, is also in a bad shape. Punjab has received only 62 mm of rainfall at present instead of the average of 130 mm. The situation is similar in other states.

Gujarat is also among the worst affected states. Gujarat received 71 per cent less rainfall in August. During the 23 days of this month, Saurashtra received only 15 mm of rainfall. Which is 85 percent less than the average.

According to the meteorological department, there are 44 divisions across the country with below-normal rainfall this month. These areas and states include Bihar, Western Madhya Pradesh, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, Eastern Rajasthan and North East India.

The country received heavy rains in several states when the monsoon started in June, though the rains later receded and weakened. Only after 20th June did the rains slow down and the situation changed. The country received 9 per cent less rainfall than normal last July, while this month it has received 27 per cent less rainfall.

This means that the situation in August has become worse than in July. The meteorological department will release its forecast for the rest of the monsoon on September 1. However, the current indications are that the rainfall in September may be as weak as in August.