India's monsoon season ended with rainfall 12.6 percent below the long-term average, making it the weakest monsoon in a decade and the fourth lowest since 2001.

The country received 759 millimetres of rain against the normal of 868.6 millimetres, according to figures reported on September 30. Meteorologists blamed El Nino conditions, which typically weaken the southwest monsoon that waters most of India's farmland.

The shortfall is a concern for farmers, as the monsoon feeds the kharif crop and fills reservoirs that supply drinking water and irrigation through the dry months. A weak monsoon can raise food prices and slow rural demand, which accounts for a large share of the economy.

Experts said the below-normal rainfall could affect crop yields in key growing states and put pressure on groundwater reserves. The India Meteorological Department is expected to release detailed state-wise figures and a review of the season's performance in the coming days.