"India Faces Weak Monsoon Rains, Raising Fears For Crops, Economy"

"MUMBAI - India’s monsoon rains were below average for the fourth straight week, with rainfall scanty over central and western parts of the country in the week ended on Wednesday, raising concerns about major crop production and the impact on the nation’s economy.

Monsoon rains are crucial for the country’s farm output and economic growth. About 55% of India’s arable land is rain-fed, and agriculture makes up about 15% of a $2.5 trillion economy that is Asia’s third-biggest.

And India’s economy, which grew at its slowest in more than four years over the January-March quarter, isn’t in any condition to take a big hit from a poor monsoon."

Rajendra Jadhav reports for Reuters June 22, 2019.