Maize production is also expected to fall 1.15 million tonnes to 900,000 tonnes.

The government declared 58 districts drought-hit last month.

The districts where rainfall has been lowest include Chitrakoot (81 percent below normal), Etah (84 percent below normal) and Rampur (85 percent below normal).

There is not a single district in the state where rainfall has been above normal.

Lucknow has received its lowest rainfall in two decades. From June 1 to July 31, the state capital recorded 192.3 mm rainfall against the average of 357.9 mm during this period.