Rains catch up, but key areas still face shortfall: CRISIL Drip index

As of July 31, rainfall from the southwest monsoon was 9% below the long period average

Rainfall so far — in terms of both, timeliness and distribution — has undershot prediction. The onset of monsoon was delayed and the catch-up (up to July) has been slow. Some key crop-producing areas are still facing a shortfall that, coupled with weak irrigation, could lead to more stress. 

As of July 31, rainfall from the southwest monsoon was 9per cent below the long period average (LPA), which is within the normal bound. For rains to be deemed normal, they can be atmost 4per cent below normal. The last week saw a steep catch-up given that rains until July 24 were