Monsoon enters withdrawal phase; deficient rains in most parts

South-west monsoon today entered the withdrawal phase, nearly three weeks behind schedule, signalling an end of this season in which more than half of the country saw deficient rains.

"Southwest monsoon has withdrawn from many parts of west Rajasthan today," the India Meteorological Department said.

Between June 1 and September 23, the country received 22 per cent deficient rainfall as against normal level of 89 cm, the weather office said.

The deficient rains has affected agriculture output across the country as many regions did not get adequate rains in July, a crucial month when farmers undertake sowing exercise for kharif crop.

However, a late spurt in rainfall activity has raised hopes for the rabi crop.

Of the 36 meteorological subdivisions, cumulative seasonal rainfall was excess in two, normal in 12, deficient in 22 and scanty in two subdivisions.

In percentage terms, nine per cent region of the country received excess rains, 35 per cent saw normal monsoon, 49 per cent deficient and seven per cent scanty, the weather office said.