With scanty rains, the agriculture department expects 20-30 percent drop in kharif crop yield. Paddy production is expected to be 131 lakh metric tonnes against target of 135 metric tonnes and coarse grain 245 lakh tonnes against 254 lakh tonnes.

'Around 70 percent of agricultural land in the state is under insured irrigation through tube wells and canals. Directions have been issued by the chief minister to provide electricity to villages for 8-10 hours daily to ensure irrigation, even if it means power cuts in cities,' said agriculture department director R.R. Verma.

According to the state met department, the average per district rainfall in the state from July 1 to July 6 has been 44.4 mm, 67 percent below normal. In eastern Uttar Pradesh, average rain per district has been 57 mm so far, 62 percent below normal.

In western Uttar Pradesh, average rain in the same period has been 76 percent below normal at 25.4 mm.

The met department has forecast a revival of the monsoon in the next six to seven days.