The India meteorological department (IMD) has recorded 27 per cent deficiency in the pre-monsoon rainfall that usually occurs in between March to April. The pre-monsoon rainfall is essential for agriculture in some parts of the country. According to IMD, from March 1 to April 24 the country received 43.3 millimetres as against the normal precipitation of 59.6 millimetres. the northwest India division comprising states like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana records highest deficiency of 38 per cent.