12% deficit: Rain report gives a dry reading

India’s southwest monsoon season offi cially ends today with rainfall 12% below normal. Uneven distribution has left key agricultural regions stressed, with decline in kharif sowing. Reservoirs failed to get amply filled, raising concerns over soil moisture and irrigation for the upcoming rabi season. The impact is showing in commodity markets: prices of several pulses are up amid crop concerns and festive demand. Maharashtra has declared drought across large parts, and Karnataka is facing similar conditions. Tanay Sukumar & Shambhavi Anand explain:134573535134573539134573540134573542134573543134573544