New Delhi, Sept. 10 -- About a fifth of India's economy is dependent on agriculture, which in turn is heavily reliant on a good monsoon. This year began promisingly, with an early monsoon and abundant rainfall creating a favourable environment for kharif crops. However, it soon turned sour as torrential rain battered agriculture-heavy states in the north-west and several southern states as well.

Data shows that among key agricultural states, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Telangana, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh were among the worst-hit in recent weeks. Rainfall deviation from normal in the week ended 3 September was 453.8% in Punjab, 325.2% in Chandigarh and the Delhi region, 284.8% in West Rajasthan and 151.5% in East Rajasthan, and 173.8% ...