MUMBAI / NEW DELHI: India is staring at a significant nationwide monsoon deficit of 35% as the rain clouds remain stalled. Over a week past its normal arrival date, the monsoon has yet to reach Mumbai and the wider Konkan coast. Meteorologists note that the northward progress of the rain system has been completely blocked for several days, leaving large swathes of Maharashtra and Central India entirely dry. Agricultural experts warn that if the delay extends further into June, it could severely disrupt the sowing schedule for crucial summer (Kharif) crops.
