PARLIAMENT QUESTION: RAINFALL DEFICIT

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) monitors rainfall daily, weekly and seasonally against the Long Period Average (LPA). For the 2026 Southwest Monsoon, rainfall was lower than normal in several parts of the country during the early weeks, and as of 14 July 2026 the nation recorded 21 % below‑normal rainfall, with some subdivisions showing deficits while others reported normal or excess amounts. The impact on agriculture, water resources, drinking water and groundwater is being assessed by the concerned ministries and state governments, and there is currently no indication of any nationwide effect on food‑grain production. Drought or flood declarations are the responsibility of state governments in coordination with the Ministries of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Home Affairs. The government is enhancing weather forecasting through the flagship Mission Mausam programme, which aims to improve observations, understanding of physical processes and advanced numerical modelling for more accurate forecasts.