B’ngir agri ops slow due to deficient rains

The agricultural operations in Balangir district are getting slow thanks to inadequate rainfall in June. Against the average normal rainfall of 203mm in June, the district received only 97mm— a 57per cent deficit.

Besides this the shortage of paddy seed has also affected the farmers. Most of the farmers are demanding puja variety of paddy seed, but it is in short supply, pointed out a farmer leader.

The Government should take steps to provide the variety of seed demanded by the farmers, he demanded, adding that the puja variety of paddy seed is available with private dealers, while the Government falls flat.

The rains of last few days of July are not going to serve any purpose. Unless a heavy rainfall is recorded in the district within a week, the farmers apprehend of a hard time again this year.

It would be pertinent to mention here that the farmers in Agalpur block had broadcasted seed which germinated, but the paddy sapling died due to high temperature and dry period of mid- June in the district.

Deputy Director of Agriculture (DDA) Balangir Sridhar Das said, “We expect a good rainfall soon.” On shortage of puja variety of paddy seed, he said not only it was in short supply in Balangir but all over the State.