LUCKNOW, Sept. 28 -- Uttar Pradesh may have received nearly 8% more rainfall than normal this monsoon from June to September 27, but the statewide surplus masks a striking agricultural divide, with 19 of the state's 75 districts still recording deficient or scanty rainfall as the season draws to a close.

The uneven rainfall pattern comes at a crucial time for agriculture, with Kharif crops, particularly paddy, entering the harvesting phase. While excessive rainfall in several districts, especially over the last three days, has raised concerns over waterlogging and damage to standing and mature crops, farmers in rainfall-deficient districts continue to face inadequate moisture availability.

Both situations are likely to affect the produc...