According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), 2014 southwest monsoonal rainfall during June 1-25 was 40 percent below normal. As a result, kharif (fall and early harvested) crop planting progress has been slower than usual, particularly in the regions which are rainfed. The optimal window of opportunity for planting most kharif (fall and early harvested) crops such as rice, coarse grains, soybeans, cotton, peanuts and pulses extends through about mid-July.
