This week will decide fate of monsoon in north India

As the monsoon advances, the week starting Monday will be crucial for rains. Although the Kosi and the Ganga in parts of Uttar Pradesh are in spate because of incessant rain, most north Indian states, including Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Bihar are reporting a shortfall. Bihar has got 27 per cent rain below normal rain and if it doesn't rain properly this coming week, paddy, maize and toor dal crops will be hit. At this point, because the soil does not have enough moisture, planting these crops is already a problem. If rains are delayed or is not enough, this will impact the crop. July 6 to 9 will decide if the monsoon has been effective or not in north India.