The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) estimates rainfall from August to September will be at 43.45 centimeter (cm), five percent less than the long period average (LPA) (based on data from 1950 to 2000). Cumulative rainfall from June to September is now forecast at 77.43 cm, 13 percent below the LPA. Kharif (fall and early harvested) crop planting is down 9 percent compared to last year due to poor rainfall.
