Driest August in Century Risks Worsening India’s Grain Curbs
- India’s August rainfall 36% lower than long-term average
- Key rice and sugar cane-growing areas get deficient showers
Workers spread out corn at a wholesale grain market near Karnal, Haryana, India.
Photographer: Anindito Mukherjee/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
India received the lowest August rains since at least 1901, raising concerns about weaker crop output and the potential for more export restrictions following the South Asian nation’s curbs on rice.
The country received 162.7 millimeters (6.4 inches) of rainfall this month, 36% lower than normal, according to the India Meteorological Department. Total rainfall during June-August was 10% below average, the figures show.