Patna:
While the deficient monsoon has managed to make up its shortfall over the last few weeks across most parts of the country, in the east there continues to be a pall of gloom.
Drought has been declared in some parts of Bihar and Jharkhand while the deficit faced by North-Eastern states is as high as 20 percent.
50-year-old farmer Shankar Ram borrowed five thousand rupees to sow paddy but the rains have failed him so far.
''What can I say. It's all in God's hands. If it doesn't rain, my family and I will suffer,' said a dejected Shankar Ram.
Bihar has declared drought in 28 districts.
"We have left out 10 districts, but the situation in them is grim too," said Vyasji, Principal Secretary, Disaster Management, Bihar.
Overall, the rain deficit in India is just 2%, making this one of the best monsoon in five years. However, in the East and the North East, overall rainfall deficit is as high as 21%.
Bihar is 24% short of rains. Neighbouring Jharkhand is more desperate with rain deficiency of over 50% and 12 drought-hit districts. Orissa is battling a 16% deficit and the seven North-Eastern states are facing a deficit of 20 percent.