Normal monsoon seen with 99% rainfall in India: IMD

Putting all concerns to rest as of now, the Indian Metrological Department (IMD) has projected normal rains in the June to September period. IMD sees rainfall at 99% of the long period average.

In an interview to CNBC-TV18, LS Rathore, Director General, IMD assured that there is a significant probability of a normal monsoon this season. However, risk of El Nino weather pattern still persists in the second half of monsoon.

Also Read:Aug-Sept monsoon season might be impacted by El Nino: IMD

Rathore added that there could be a slight El Nino effect in August-September period.

The June-September monsoon, vital for agricultural output and economic growth, irrigates around 60% of farms in India, the world's second-biggest producer of rice, wheat, sugar and cotton. Agriculture accounts for about 15% of India's nearly USD 2 trillion economy, Asia's third biggest.

According to the IMD classification, rains between 96-104% of a 50-year average of 89 centimetres is considered normal. The last time there was a drought with rains below this range was 2009 and before that, in 2004.