Weak Monsoon May Lead To Food Inflation

Weak monsoon may lead to vegetables prices rising further and adversely impact winter crops. The MET department forecasts a subdued monsoon in the northern and western states at least up to August 28.

Rainfall in the last week was 25% less than normal, down from 77% recorded last year.

In Punjab and Haryana, the rain deficit in the season is 62%.

Paddy farmers have been hurt by the poor rainfall, said Krishan Singh Khokhar, vice chancellor, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University. "There will be a drop in production of at least 10% in the rice crop," he said. Production of cotton and pearl millets may also get affected due to poor rain in the state.