Monsoon Withdrawal Starts With Likely 10% Seasonal Rainfall Deficit

India's monsoon season is drawing to a close with the withdrawal process now underway, and forecasters expect the season to end with a rainfall deficit of around 10%. The shortfall has been unevenly distributed across the country, with 14 states recording rain deficits exceeding 20%. Such a deficit could have significant implications for agriculture and water resources in the affected regions. The below-normal rainfall pattern has raised concerns among farmers and policymakers heading into the post-monsoon period.