Rains may dip in August, but crops won't be hit: Experts

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

However, as the soil moisture has risen in July, lesser August rainfall won't negatively impact the crops, said agricultural experts. «The July rainfall has boosted the soil moisture to healthy levels and so a lull of 15-20 days won't be harmful for the crops,» said Tanmay Kumar Deepak, head of research, Agriwatch, an agri research firm that works with over a million farmers across the country. The excess July rain has replenished reservoirs and can support irrigational activities in the next few weeks, he added.

So far in the monsoon season, the country as a whole has received 7% excess rainfall over the long period average, according to data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD). According to the July 27 bulletin of the Central Water Commission (CWC), the 146 reservoirs are at 85% of the level last year and 111% of the storage of average for the last ten years. However, 59 out of 146 reservoirs, have water levels at 40% or below.

Kharif sowing had been delayed because of a rainfall deficit in June. However, with monsoon entering an active phase and rainfall picking up planting of crops also picked up pace. The total area sown in the country is 830.31 lakh hectares as on July 28, almost on par with 832.32 lakh hectares same time last year, according to the latest government data.AUGUST RAIN Intense rainfall is expected to continue for the first few days of August but taper thereafter.