Monsoon deficit in Odisha stands at 19 percent

Bhubaneswar, July 20 (IANS) Monsoon rains continued to remain weak in Odisha with the state receiving about 19 percent less rainfall than the average for this time of the season, an official said here Friday.

The state received a total of 335.8 mm rainfall by Thursday against the average of 413.2 mm for this time of the season, a senior official of the Bhubaneswar meteorological centre said.

"Till Wednesday, the deficit was 20 percent. However owing to heavy rains in some areas, the situation improved slightly," he added.

Odisha contributes about one-tenth of the country's total rice production. A good monsoon is crucial for the state which has about 73 percent of its work force engaged in the agriculture sector.

Monsoon normally reaches the state by June 10. However, this year it was delayed by a week. As a result, the paddy transplantation could not be taken up in several parts of the state.

With the weatherman forecasting heavy rains in the next two-three days, the Met official hoped that the deficit may further reduce in the state.