§ SIR MANCHERJEE BHOWNAGGREEI beg to ask the Secretary of State for India if he has received any official reports regarding the rainfall throughout India up to date; whether the rains in the districts of Western India and Gujarat and Kattywar, which had been affected by famine during the last two years, are up to the normal average; and whether the official reports show the prospects of the ensuing crops to be favourable.
§ LORD G. HAMILTONI have received of late three or four official telegrams, which I have communicated to the press, regarding the rainfall in India and the agricultural outlook. My latest information is contained in the following telegram from the Viceroy, dated yesterday:—
Monsoon is irregular and weak. Rainfall much below average everywhere, except west coast districts and in part of Deccan, Burma, and Eastern Bengal. But it is sufficient for sowings generally, except in case of Punjab and part of Guzerat. Condition and prospects of crops in North Western Provinces, Bengal, and Madras, causes no anxiety, but crops are withering in part of Central Provinces and Bombay, and heavy rain is urgently needed for rice crops. Good rain has fallen in Bombay, Deccan, but Guzerat in parts has received very little rain, and usual sowings are greatly retarded. Prospects generally have not yet suffered materially.