MONSOON WILL BE NORMAL THIS YEAR, SAYS MET

NEW DELHI: India’s June- September monsoon is likely to be normal, the weather bureau said on Friday, brightening prospects of bumper crops and economic recovery, crucial for a government heading into a general election.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted that summer rains would be 98% of the country’s 50-year average of 89 cm. Rainfall between 96% and 100% is considered normal. If the rains are adequate, India will avoid a major drought for the fourth straight year.

Summer rains are critical for India, Asia’s third biggest economy, because two- thirds of Indians depend on farm income and nearly 60% of farmlands do not have irrigation facilities.

“This year’s monsoon is most likely to be normal,” science and technology minister Jaipal Reddy said, announcing the official forecast for 2013, which will be updated in June. Met chief LS Rathore said areas currently facing a drought, such as Maharashtra, are expected to get normal rains.