MONSOON BREAK : Low rainfall in July may hit standing crop - Climate Change ?

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From : - Indian Society For Sustainable Agriculture And Rural Development **************************************** GLOBAL CLIMATE & INDIAN MONSOON MONSOON BREAK : Low rainfall in July may hit standing crop http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Low-rainfall-in-July-may-hit-standing-crop/206276/ ASHOK B SHARMAPosted online: Sunday , July 22, 2007 at 2351 hrs IST New Delhi, Jul 22 The days of heavy showers in July, the wettest month every year, are numbered. The Indian monsoon has entered a period of temporary crisis since the last week.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the rainfall all over the country in the week-ended July 18 was 25% less, with 13 out of 36 meteorological sub-divisions experiencing deficient rainfall and nine scanty rainfall. The northern, western and central parts of the country and a part of peninsular India saw low rainfall during the week. IMD director M Rajeevan said, "The monsoon will remain subdued for the remaining days of the month, unless a miracle happens." There may be scattered rainfall in different places and not heavy rainfall in areas where monsoon system is subdued, he said. July rainfall is crucial for Indian agriculture as it receives the maximum amount of rainfall in the year. Crop scientists are, however, of the view that if the dry spell continues for longer period it may take a toll on standing crops. A short period of dry spell can be manageable

as the soil is filled with moisture due to heavy rainfall in the past few weeks and reservoirs have ample water storage. A short dry spell may help the floods to recede at places. Crop cultivation has already suffered due to hiccup in the progress of the monsoon in different parts of the country in June. Major summer crops are lagging behind in area coverage due to late sowing However, global forecasts assure that the spoilsport, El Nino phenomena (warming of Pacific water above the normal) would remain neutral in the monsoon period and there is 55% probability of emergence of La Nina phenomena which results in good rainfall. According to the US-based agencies like the Climate Prediction Centre, National Centers for Environmental Prediction, National Ocean Atmosphere Administration and National Weather Service cooling effects are being witnessed in the three Nino regions of the Pacific namely, Nino 1+2,

Nino 3 and Nino 3.4. Nino 4 region has recorded an increase of 0.1 degree Celsius which is much within the normal range---------

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