Monsoon to begin return journey from Rajasthan soon

Kharif crop acreage lags last year's

The monsoon has started showing signs of starting its return journey from Rajasthan in a couple of days, according to private weather forecaster Skymet.

The rains remained 6% below normal this season so far, said the India Meteorological Department (IMD). However, it was 23% below the long-period average for the week-ended September 7.

Though the monsoon might start withdrawing from Rajasthan, it would be active-to-vigorous over Goa, central Maharashtra, Sub-Himalayan regions, West Bengal and Sikkim, Skymet said. There would also be no relief for flood-hit Assam as rains would continue to lash the Northeast, it said.

Coverage under kharif crops