ROHTAK, June 30 -- A delayed southwest monsoon and below-normal rainfall have slowed paddy transplantation in several districts of Haryana, forcing farmers to rely heavily on excessive groundwater extraction.

According to the India meteorological department (IMD), Haryana faced a 21% rainfall deficit in June, receiving just 37.5 mm against the normal 47.4 mm, following a 15% deficit in May.

The situation was particularly worrying during the crucial transplantation period between June 18 and 24, when the state received just 2.1 mm of rain against the normal 14.4 mm. Key paddy-growing districts, including Yamunanagar, witnessed little or no rainfall, while several others remained in the deficient category.

Amid the IMD's forecast of a we...