UditVani, Jamshedpur : Despite the timely onset and gradual advancement of the Southwest Monsoon across Jharkhand, the state is confronting a worrying rainfall deficit that threatens to impact agricultural activities at the beginning of the kharif season.
According to data released by the Meteorological Centre, Ranchi, Jharkhand received only 29.4 mm of rainfall between June 1 and June 15 against the normal average of 55.6 mm, resulting in an overall deficit of 47 per cent.
The figures indicate that while monsoon currents have reached large parts of the state, widespread and sustained rainfall remains elusive.
The rainfall distribution has been highly uneven across districts. Chatra and Garhwa recorded no measurable rainfall during the period, leaving them with a staggering 100 per cent deficit. Sahibganj followed closely with a 96 per cent shortfall, while Palamu reported a 95 per cent deficiency.
Lohardaga registered a 91 per cent deficit, highlighting the weak monsoon activity over large stretches of central and north-western Jharkhand.
Several other districts also remain significantly below normal rainfall levels. Seraikela-Kharsawan recorded a 78 per cent deficit, Khunti 76 per cent, while Deoghar and Godda each reported a 68 per cent shortfall. Gumla remained 67 per cent below normal rainfall.
The industrial belt of Kolhan has also witnessed inadequate precipitation. East Singhbhum received 38.2 mm rainfall against a normal 78 mm, translating into a 51 per cent deficit. West Singhbhum reported an identical deficiency, while Bokaro and Hazaribagh remained 52 per cent and 51 per cent below normal respectively.
In contrast, Ranchi emerged as the state’s standout performer. The capital district received 86.4 mm rainfall against a normal 57.3 mm, registering a surplus of 51 per cent. Ramgarh was the only other district to remain close to normal, recording an 11 per cent deficit.
Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported further advancement of the Southwest Monsoon on June 15 into the remaining parts of Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal and the west-central Bay of Bengal, along with additional areas of Telangana, Odisha, Jharkhand and Bihar. Meteorologists expect the monsoon to gain momentum over eastern and central India during the next four to five days.
The weather department has forecast thunderstorms accompanied by lightning and gusty winds of 40-50 kmph at isolated locations across Jharkhand until June 19. Such weather activity is expected to affect most districts on June 15 and 16, except parts of the north-western region. Southern and adjoining central districts are likely to witness enhanced thunderstorm activity on June 17, while the entire state may again experience similar conditions on June 18 and 19.
Agricultural experts are closely monitoring the situation as the first half of June is crucial for land preparation and sowing of paddy, maize and pulses.
A prolonged rainfall deficit during this phase can delay transplantation activities and increase dependence on irrigation facilities.
However, weather scientists remain optimistic that the fresh monsoon surge developing over the Bay of Bengal, combined with thunderstorm-induced rainfall, could improve moisture conditions and reduce the deficit in the coming weeks.
For now, however, Jharkhand enters the second half of June with nearly half of its normal seasonal rainfall missing, raising concerns over soil moisture levels, reservoir replenishment and the progress of the upcoming kharif crop cycle.
