Zero-deficit monsoon likely in the second half of season, says IMD

Should boost sowing of pulses - moong, urad and paddy

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) in its forecast for the second half of the monsoon has said rain in August and September is expected to be 100 per cent of the Long-Period Average (LPA).

This will be a big relief for farmers. The LPA for August and September, the last two months, of the southwest monsoon season is around 42.83 cm, which is 49 per cent of the precipitation from June to September, which is estimated at 89 cm.

The Met said rain in August was expected to be 99 per cent of the LPA. Both the forecasts have set a model