…South gets deficient rain

The South Bengal districts have not yet received adequate rainfall posing a serious threat to production of Kharif paddy. In June-end,Bankura,Burdwan,East Midnapore,West Midnapore recorded 126mm,94mm,87mm,160mm rainfall — much less than normal rainfall. The percentage of rain deficit in Bankura in June-end was 46.82 while Burdwan,East and West Midnapore had 57 per cent,26 per cent and 65 per cent rain deficit. Howrah,Hooghly,South and North 24-Parganas,too,have received inadequate rainfall till Sunday. “The rainfall deficit in South Bengal district stands around 30 per cent now. If rains continue to elude,a drought-like situation can emerge,” an official said.