India's weather office has asked states to advise farmers to opt for late sown and water-guzzling crops since the south-west monsoon is expected to be surplus this year and withdraw by October instead of mid-September. The food ministry has also asked all states to keep ample stock of food grain in case of a flood-like situation. 

"This year, we are looking at surplus rain unlike the two previous years, with a likelihood of monsoon extending till September end. Farmers need to go for crop varieties which require lot of water, like paddy. Further, they should be late sown varieties," said LS Rathore, director general of India Meteorological Department. Rathore said pest infestation in cotton could be more this year. 
 

Since the beginning of July, rainfall has been widespread and till July 5 it was 41% above normal, Rathore said. By September-end, moisture requirement of crops declines and hot dry weather is required to prepare for harvest. 

Rathore said states have been advised to keep a close watch on Narmada river originating from Madhya Pradesh and travelling till Gujarat. 

"As of now there is no major concern of flood situation as the reservoirs are empty. We will now see a substantial improvement in water position, with rains expected. But by the month end we will have to be watchful on water levels," Rathore said.