Rice production in Chhattisgarh is estimated at 7.3 mln tn in 2017-18 (Jul-Jun), down 9.3% from a year ago. Poor rains in this monsoon have hit the crop. Monsoon was good in the initial phase, but dry spell during August and September led to drought situation in the state. The Chhattisgarh government has declared drought in 21 districts of the total 27. Monsoon rains are very crucial for agriculture in Chhattisgarh, as nearly 56% of the state’s cultivable area is rain-fed.