India Records Lowest Monsoon Rainfall in Over a Decade

India recorded its lowest monsoon rainfall in more than a decade during the June-September season, with the El Niño weather pattern contributing to reduced precipitation, according to a senior India Meteorological Department official.

The country received 12.6% below-average rainfall during the four-month monsoon season, the official told Reuters on Wednesday. The below-normal rainfall could have implications for agriculture, water availability and crop conditions across parts of the country.

The weak monsoon comes as India prepares for the winter crop sowing season, when adequate soil moisture is important for crops such as wheat. The rainfall shortfall has therefore increased concerns over agricultural conditions in the months ahead.

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