With the rabi plantation almost over, there are indications that the crop output this season may not be able to offset the kharif losses due to the drought, though the overall production is expected to be normal.
While the crop outlook has improved considerably in the north-western rabi belt after the recent rainfall, it is not so rosy in several other parts, particularly Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and parts of Uttar Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.
On the brighter side, there has not been any report of a disease or pest attack on crops so far this season.
The final outcome of the rabi season will, however, depend upon the weather pattern in the next two months.
The rabi season began on an upbeat note since the soil moisture was generally good due to late monsoon precipitation.
However, precarious water availability and the delay in winter rainfall in the north dampened the optimism somewhat.
The water storage in 70 major reservoirs was only 40 per cent of the designated utilisable level in the middle of December.
It was not only below the last year
