Abstract

                                The rainfall during the South-west monsoon period was below normal by 30 per cent. Moreover the onset was also delayed by a month. This prevented the timely sowing of, the monsoon crop. Also the dry spell during August and September months affected the crop growth. The onset of North-east monsoon was normal and rainfall received during this season was above normal by 24 per cent with well distributed pattern. This facilitated the good stand of the rainfed crop. The temperature conditions were near normal. throughout the year except, unusual night temperature that prevailed for two days (around 10°C) during third week of January 1978, Tho hours of sunshine during third June, August and October were below normal recording less than 6 hours/day. The wind speed during the August month was higher. The amount of water evaporated and deposited on the surface as dew were normal.

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