Parliament Question: Rainfall Deficit

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 462 TO BE ANSWERED ON WEDNESDAY, 22ND JULY, 2026 RAINFALL DEFICIT †462. SHRI BABU SINGH KUSHWAHA:

Will the Minister of EARTH SCIENCES be pleased to state:

(a) whether as per the India Meteorological Department rain deficit have been registered in many parts of the country during the monsoon season of 2026 as compared to last year and if so, the details thereof, State-wise;

(b) whether the rain deficit has affected agricultural production, water resources, drinking water availability and ground water levels and if so, the details of the Government’s assessment in this regard;

(c) whether uneven rainfall has led to drought and flood like conditions in some States and if so, the details thereof, State and district-wise; and

(d) whether the Government proposes to implement any new scheme to strengthen the weather forecasting system, enhance water conservation and provide special relief and long-term solutions for drought affected areas and if so, the details thereof? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND EARTH SCIENCES (DR. JITENDRA SINGH)

(a) India Meteorological Department (IMD) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences monitors rainfall on a daily, weekly and seasonal basis against the Long Period Average (LPA). The Southwest Monsoon rainfall in 2026 has been lower than normal in several parts of the country during the initial weeks of the season. However, rainfall varies from place to place and from week to week, and some regions have received normal or above-normal rainfall.

As of 14 July 2026, the country received 21% below normal rainfall, with several meteorological subdivisions recording deficient rainfall while others experienced normal or excess rainfall due to the natural variability of the Southwest Monsoon.

(b) The impact of rainfall on agriculture, water resources, drinking water and groundwater is assessed by the concerned Ministries and State Governments. At present, there is no indication of any nationwide impact on food grain production.

(c) Monsoon rainfall over India is inherently characterized by spatial and temporal variability, which can result in localized deficits or excess rainfall across different regions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) continuously monitors rainfall distribution and provides regular weather forecasts and warnings to assist administrative authorities in taking necessary operational measures. The assessment and declaration of drought or flood situations fall within the purview of the respective State Governments in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and the Ministry of Home Affairs.

(d) The Government is strengthening weather forecasting through the Ministry of Earth Sciences' flagship programme, Mission Mausam. The mission aims to improve weather observations, gain a better understanding of various physical processes, and develop advanced numerical models that incorporate these processes to improve the ability to forecast weather accurately.

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