Monsoon likely to be normal this year: IMD

New Delhi, Apr 19 (UNI) India his year is likely to have normal South West Monsoon which brings rainfall to major part of the country, according to India Meteorological Department's preliminary forecast announced today.

The country as a whole was likely to receive 95 per cent, plus/minus five per cent, of the Long Period Average (89 cm) rainfall according to IMD's new and more accurate statistical forecast system for long range forecast of the 2007 South West Monsoon season, Secretary with Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Ministry P S Goel today said.

There were also prospects of good monsoon rainfall this year with indications that 'La Nina' conditions could develop within the next two or three months.

However, these were preliminary calculations and IMD would update them in June. The actual amount of rainfall would also vary from region to region.

Separate forecasts for July rainfall over the country and seasonal (June-September) rainfall over four geographical regions of the country would also be issued later.

The department's long range forecast last year was 93 per cent.

However, rainfall in the 2006 South West Monsoon season over country as a whole was 100 per cent. But as many as nine meteorological subdivisions, including Haryana, Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, received deficient rainfall while floods played havoc in parts of Western India.

The monsoon was the main source of water for agriculture in the country, where the farming sector provided livelihood to more than two-thirds of India's population.

A good monsoon would raise farm output, boost rural income and spur spending and investment, which would further boost country's agro-based economy.

UNI