India's Monsoon Improves but Karnataka Faces 35% Rainfall Deficit, Threatening Kharif Sowing

India's southwest monsoon gained momentum in July, with rainfall 7% below normal compared with a 40% deficit in June, and the India Meteorological Department expects further pick‑up. The improved rains raise hopes for accelerating kharif sowing, though overall rain remains uneven, especially in eastern and northeastern states.

In Karnataka, the monsoon has been weak, recording a 35% deficit from June 1 to July 22. Only six of the state's 31 districts received normal rainfall, while 24 are classified as deficient and one district, Vijayanagara, suffers a large deficit of 62%. The shortfall spans all regions, with the Malnad area hit hardest. Reservoirs across India sit at 34% of capacity, lower than both last year and the long‑term average, but higher storage in the western and northern regions may cushion some impact. The combined uneven rainfall and low water storage pose a risk to kharif crop prospects, particularly pulses and coarse cereals.