New Delhi, February 25: In what could result into acche din for farmers, the Monsoon in 2019 is predicted to be "normal" in first major forecast by India's only private weather agency. The forecast has raised prospects of India's agrarian class, whose output is primarily driven by the rainfall between June to September.

In India, "normal" Monsoon is defined as 96 per cent to 104 per cent of the 50-year average rainfall, which is 89cm per annum. Rainfall below this benchmark leads to agrarian distress, which in turn leads to sharp dip in demand in villages, thereby derailing the rural economy. Drought in Maharashtra: State Government Declares Drought in 180 Tehsils; Jalgaon, Ahmednagar Among Worst Affected.

As per the prediction released by Skymet Weather, there is more than 50 per cent chance that India will receive a normal rainfall this year. A small probability of excessive rainfall -- which is also hazardous for the kharif season crops -- exists, said the agency's chief executive officer Jatin Singh.

Nearly 70 per cent of India's farm sector is absolutely dependent on rainfall for addressing their irrigation requirements. Even in years when the rainfall is normal, or above normal, an agrarian crisis could not be ruled out due to the nation's vast geography.

In 2018, the Monsoon was nearly 9 per cent "below normal", despite the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicting sufficient rainfall for the year. The inadequate rainfall led to droughts in several parts of the nation, with Maharashtra being the worst affected where 151 of 358 talukas being declared "drought-affected".

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 25, 2019 07:23 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).