CM Naveen Patnaik asks Agriculture, Co-operative dept to remain alert over below-normal monsoon prediction [Odisha Diary]

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today asks Agriculture, Co-operative departments to remain alert following IMD prediction of below-normal monsoon this year. Patnaik directed this during review meeting at the secretariat.  CM Patnaik asks concerned authorites to sanction loans to farmers by July 30. State government will provide Rs 4,200 croe agriculture loan to farmers.  

Odisha is most likely to witness a below normal monsoon this year. The India Meteorological Department (IMD), which updated its long range forecast of south west monsoon on Monday, stated that Central India, of which the State is a part, will get 94 per cent precipitation of the long period average (LPA). 

Rainfall in the range of 90 per cent to 96 per cent of the LPA is considered below normal in meteorological norms. Across India, the rainfall is estimated at 93 per cent of the LPA. The weather office said during July, the rainfall is predicted to be 93 per cent of the LPA and 96 per cent in August. What has strengthened the apprehension of a relatively weaker monsoon is the prediction that the chance of El Nino occurring this year is very high. The Met office put the probability of El Nino phenomenon at 70 per cent.