Cropping for lower rains

As the monsoon makes a slow progress across the country — rains in June were 30% below normal — the agriculture ministry has prepared elaborate contingency plans for 291 of the 640 districts likely to face uneven rains. Plans have not been made for Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. These plans guide farmers on alternative cropping patterns and crop management for delays in rains, including long breaks inbetween showers. (Click on graphic)