IMD: Monsoon to be normal despite El Nino

Forecast follows Skymet's 'below normal' prediction

- SANDIP DAS

'RAINS TO BE 96% OF LPA' 

SOUTHWEST MONSOON RAINFALL during June-September is likely to be in the 'normal' range at 96% of the benchmark long-period average (LPA), the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Tuesday.

Rainfall between 96-104% of the LPA is considered 'normal'.

The official weather agency's prediction comes as a relief to the farm sector, which relies on monsoon rainfall for crops grown in over a half of the net cultivated area. Key kharif crops like paddy, tur and soyabean are significantly rain-fed even now, though irrigation has improved significantly in the last two decades. The central and eastern parts of the country are more dependent on monsoon rains for crop cultivation.

The IMD's forecast comes close on the heels of private weather forecasting agency Skymet's statement on Monday that monsoon precipitation this year could be 'below normal' at 94% of the LPA.

If the IMD's prediction holds true, the country would receive'normal'or'above normal' rainfall for five consecutive years. This is expected to give boost to sowing of kharif crops -paddy, tur, soybean and cotton while also ensuring adequate soil moisture for rabi crops like wheat, mustard and chana.