)
The current dry spell over parts of North-West, Central and western India might continue for the next 10-15 days, threatening yields of major crops like pulses, oilseeds and coarse cereals.
Even paddy production could take a beating in these areas, as prolonged break in rains could increase the reliance on groundwater.
According to the latest forecast by Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), reduced monsoon activity might continue over parts of the country over the next 10-15 days barring south and north-eastern parts of the country.
The southwest monsoon, which showed strong signs of revival from mid-July has taken a break after the first week of August.
Skymet Weather Services said states of Uttarakhand, Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Tamil Nadu, that amount to half of the total area of the country have become nearly dry.
It however said a weather system in the Bay of Bengal might provide some relief to North-West India from August 28.
Data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) showed that total rainfall deficiency in Punjab, Haryana and Marathwada regions of Maharashtra has been over 50 per cent between June 1 to August 27.
Overall, the total cumulative deficit during the period in the country stayed at 18 per cent.
