Monsoon to be normal this year - Daily News & Analysis

In news that should cheer the common man and millions of farmers, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday predicted normal monsoon for the country this year with overall rainfall of 98%. "I have very good news for farmers... the southwest monsoon is likely to be normal this year. Quantitatively, monsoon season rainfall is likely to be 98% of the long period average (1951-2000)," said S Jaipal Reddy, Union minister for science and technology and earth sciences. Reddy said over most parts of the country, 70-90% of the annual rainfall is received during the southwest monsoon (June-September). "This rainfall is positively related to crop production in the country which has a significant impact on the economy of the country," he said. A healthy monsoon is also essential to keep a check on food prices. The minister said the IMD will issue the updated forecast in June. It will have a separate forecast for the monthly (July and August) rainfall across the country and seasonal (June-September) rainfall over the four geographical regions of India. The IMD said there is a very low probability for the season's rainfall to be deficient, which is below 90%, or to be in excess — which is above 110%. Shailesh Nayak, secretary of the ministry of earth sciences, said it was too early to mention the probable arrival date of the monsoon and added that it can be told only by May 15. "By and large, drought-hit areas of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Karnataka are likely to get normal rain," he said. via Business - Google News http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNEWukOOao-zAbecnx_W0szAFS5UJQ&url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/1827536/report-monsoon-to-be-normal-this-year

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