Guwahati, July 25 -- A severe rainfall deficit has led to a drought-like situation across 25 districts in Assam, sparking concerns over a sharp decline in paddy production and exposing the state's fragile irrigation infrastructure.

The Department of Agricultural Meteorology at Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Jorhat, reported that between June 1 and July 23, nine districts experienced "large deficient" rainfall, while 16 others experienced "deficient" rainfall.

A state agriculture department official confirmed that the shortage of rainfall during this critical cropping season is likely to severely impact Sali paddy cultivation, the principal Kharif crop in Assam.

According to India Meteorological Department (IMD) figures, Assam rec...