Telangana recorded a 17% rainfall deficit as of Aug 21, but its: The wider industry impact

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Hyderabad: Telangana recorded a 17% rainfall deficit as of Aug 21, but its monsoon performance was better than that of several major foodgrain-producing states, according to SBI Research. Telangana’s 17% deficit, however, remained within the India Meteorological Department’s ( IMD ) normal rainfall category, which covers departures of up to 19% below normal. At the national level, rainfall was 13% below normal, with 351 of 741 districts recording deficient or largely deficient rainfall. Other states reporting higher deficits included Kerala at 24%, Assam at 23% and Karnataka at 22%. Meanwhile, Maharashtra recorded a 7% deficit, Madhya Pradesh 10% and Gujarat 3%. West Bengal reported a 5% surplus, while Odisha received 2% excess rainfall.

With the state close to slipping into the deficient category, rainfall during the remaining weeks of the monsoon will be crucial for water availability and the upcoming rabi season.

The Australian Bureau of Meteorology assessed El Nino conditions as firmly established, while the Indian Ocean Dipole remained neutral as of August 16.

SBI Research said El Nino may have a limited impact on kharif production as sowing progress has been satisfactory, but could pose a risk to rabi crops. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Hyderabad | Silver Rate in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad | Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Petrol Price in Hyderabad | Diesel Price in Hyderabad | CNG Price in Hyderabad | LPG Price in Hyderabad

SBI Research also flagged a weakening monsoon outlook, citing Skymet’s revised 2026 forecast, which lowered expected seasonal rainfall to 85% of the Long Period Average (LPA), from an earlier estimate of 94%.