Monsoon likely to be normal: Jaipal Reddy

New Delhi, April 26 (IANS) Monsoon is likely to be normal this year, said Science and Technology Minister S. Jaipal Reddy here Thursday.

The minister, releasing the India Meteorological Department's report, said the monsoon this year is likely to be 98 percent of the long-term average.

"All prediction models show that monsoon will be normal," the minister said, adding: "By and large, the drought-hit areas of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Karnataka are likely to get normal rain."