Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand are going through their worst Southwest monsoon on record.

Even though the forecast for the coming days looks promising, it may be too late for many paddy farmers in UP. The monsoon arrived late this year and then the rainfall has been patchy and scarce.

Rains are essential for these rice-producing states and the rain failure can have an impact on food security of the entire country. Eastern UP received less than 50% of its average rainfall. Jaunpur is among the districts that have received least rainfall this monsoon.

District administrations are already considering declaration of drought after the official end of the monsoon season in October. Good rains in September may make up for statistical deficit, but farmers fear that the damage to Kharif crops has already been done.