Uttar Pradesh Faces Drought-Like Situation Due to Monsoon Delay and El Niño

The delay in the monsoon in Uttar Pradesh has raised concerns. The monsoon usually becomes active in the state by mid-June, but this time there is a possibility of less than normal rainfall due to the prevalence of El Nino. There will be less than 50 percent rainfall in June, while there is a possibility of less than normal rainfall between July and September. Meteorologist Atul Kumar Singh has informed that this year the rainfall may be less than 90 percent. This may lead to a drought-like situation in many areas. There are no chances of rain even after the third week of June. According to meteorologists, the effect of El Nino in UP can create a 2015-like situation. Between June and September of that year, the country received only 86 to 91 percent of normal rainfall. This affected the crops sown in the season, including paddy, maize, and kharif crops. Irrigation was affected due to less water in ponds and ponds, which increased food inflation from 50 to 60 percent in the country.