IMD’s Agrimet division has advised farmers in Maharashtra to drain excess water and maintain an optimum level in rice paddy fields to avoid damage due to water logging. Rice is a water-intensive crop but excess water may cause decay in the plant, and reduce yield. The state is among the leading growers of paddy, oilseeds, and pulses. So far in the southwest monsoon season, rainfall in the state has been 114% above normal.