India, Sept. 3 -- The uneven monsoon and El Nino effect has led to a 15% rainfall deficit in Maharashtra in the June-August period, putting kharif crops under stress. At least 14 districts, mostly in Marathwada and Vidarbha, have a rainfall deficit of over 25%, leading to a drop in the areas under cultivation. With water storage in the state's dams falling eight percentage points below last year's level, tankers have been deployed for 1,416 villages and hamlets.

Government officials are worried about a drought-like situation if the rainfall continues to be below average for the next few weeks.

The rainfall deficit has begun to impact crops during their critical growth stages. The agriculture department said that good rainfall was urgent...