In Mathura, Firozabad, Hathras districts the farmers have been hit hard, according to SK Singh, an agricultural economics specialist of Hathras. Dr BB Barik, principal of the Balwant Vidhyapeeth Rural Institute told Agratoday.in "the farmers should have waited a little longer before sowing the seeds impressed by early rain due to cyclonic pressure in the west early July. Then there was a big lull in monsoon activity, forcing the temperature to shoot up to 38 celsius."

Barik pointed out there had been a big problem with availability of quality seeds with ideal germination rate of more than 85 percent. "Also this year we have seen an artificial shortage of chemical fertilisers forcing farmers to go for purchase of spurious fertilisers resulting in poor production and quality.  Ideally government agencies should now begin educating farmers to switch over to compost, vermin manure to maintain the fertility of the soil."

How the monsoon got derailed after a promising start? Pandit Hari Mohan said "according to Hindu calender rains start only after mid Asadh month. We had an extra month this year. Those who have been following the traditional wisdom have not suffered. They will begin agricultural operations only now."

Some people blamed the marriage season. "Through tantrik rituals the rains were stopped so as not to disturb marriages. Now that the marriage season ends Monday and the Hindu gods go to sleep for four months beginning Tuesday, the rainy season will start," according to a pujari (priest) Mahesh Shukla.