‘Country records 21 pc monsoon rainfall deficit by mid July’

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New Delhi, July 22
 
India has received significantly less rain than usual so far this monsoon season, but the government says there is no immediate sign that the shortfall will affect the country’s food grain production.
 
Replying to a question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences Dr Jitendra Singh said that India recorded 21% below-normal rainfall up to 14 July 2026. While several meteorological subdivisions reported deficient rainfall, others experienced normal or above-normal showers, reflecting the uneven nature of the Southwest Monsoon.
 
The India Meteorological Department (IMD), which tracks rainfall daily, weekly and seasonally against the Long Period Average (LPA), said rainfall during the opening weeks of the 2026 monsoon has been below normal across many parts of the country. However, rainfall patterns continue to vary widely between regions and from week to week.
 
The government said the effects of rainfall on agriculture, water availability, drinking water and groundwater are being monitored by the relevant ministries and state governments. At present, it said, there is no indication of any nationwide impact on food grain production.
Officials said the Southwest Monsoon naturally shows large variations across different parts of the country, with some areas receiving excess rain while others remain dry during the same period.
 
The IMD is continuing to issue regular forecasts and weather warnings to help authorities respond to changing conditions. Decisions on declaring drought or flood situations remain the responsibility of state governments, working with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
 
The government also highlighted Mission Mausam, the Ministry of Earth Sciences’ flagship programme aimed at improving weather observations, strengthening forecasting models and delivering more accurate weather predictions.
Dr Singh shared the information in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.