Monsoon withdraws from Himachal, remains 27 percent deficit

The southwest monsoon withdrew from Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday with the hill state recording a deficit rainfall of 27 percent, the meteorological office here said.

"The monsoon remained deficit in most parts of the state," an official of the meteorological office told IANS.

He said the cumulative rainfall from June 1 to September 29 was 612.7 mm against the normal precipitation of 780 mm, working out to 27 percent less than the normal rainfall.

Last year, the monsoon rain deficiency in the state was 38 percent, making it the driest monsoon in the decade.

The monsoon hit the state this year on June 24.

Agriculture is the main occupation of the people in the state, providing direct employment to 69 percent of its workforce.