Consider the following statements about the types of drought in India : 1. A meteorological drought occurs when the mean annual rainfall is less than 75%. 2. Agricultural drought arises out of extreme moisture stress. 3. Soil moisture drought is related to meteorological drought. Which of the statements given above are correct ?

All three statements accurately describe the types and characteristics of drought in the Indian context:

• Statement 1 is correct: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) defines meteorological drought as a situation where the seasonal rainfall received over an area is less than 75% of its long-term average (LPA). A deficiency of 26-50% is classified as moderate, and more than 50% as severe drought.
• Statement 2 is correct: Agricultural drought occurs when soil moisture and rainfall are inadequate during the growing season to support healthy crop growth, resulting in extreme moisture stress and wilting of plants.
• Statement 3 is correct: Soil moisture drought is intrinsically linked to meteorological drought; a prolonged lack of precipitation leads to the depletion of soil moisture, which is the primary driver of agricultural distress.

The sequence typically progresses from meteorological to soil moisture/agricultural and finally to hydrological drought.