NCML’s second advanced estimate for 2018-19 season sees production at136.75 million tonnes. The highly erratic monsoon and its obscure spread may reduce foodgrain output in the ongoing kharif season to 136.75 million tonnes (mt) — nearly 2.83 per cent lower than the 140.73 mt produced in 2017-18. The drop in overall kharif production is on expected lines despite a pick-up in the monsoon in July and August. While over 20 per cent of the country faced floods, half of the country’s 36 meteorological subdivisions are reeling under a rainfall deficit of over 10 per cent.