Deficit rain hits Kharif paddy cultivation

Erratic and uneven distribution of rainfall this monsoon has left the farmers a worried lot in the State. Though monsoon arrived early this year, it got delayed at many places in the State.

As a result, crop sowing too got delayed and the Government asked farmers to use short term paddy which actually will give better yield despite monsoon vagaries.

According to meteorological data, during June, 28 per cent less rainfall has been recorded in the State. In 28 districts less than normal rainfall occurred and six districts witnessed below 50 per cent rain.

That is the reason Kharif crop will be worst affected because for many farmers in the State paddy is the main source of income and livelihood than cereals, pulses and oilseeds.

Reports received from districts by the Agricultural Department said sowing of non-paddy crops like ragi, maize, cotton, vegetables, groundnuts and pulses picked up despites climatic adversities as these are less rain dependent crops.

Out of total 61 lakh hectares of land under cultivation, half of them are covered under Kharif paddy and most of them are rainfed.

“Delayed monsoon which subsequently weakened caused a worry for millions of farmers in the State. They have no alternative but to depend on next spell of rain,” said Simanchal Nahak of Rushikulya Ryot Mahasabha.

As per data available with the Agriculture Department, area covered under paddy till date is 782.722 hectares which was 1,164.222 hectares till date in the corresponding period last year.

Apart from paddy, the area under cultivation of maize, cereals, oilseeds, vegetables, spices and fodder also has reduced compared to last year.

Broadcasting of Kharif paddy is under progress. Raising of paddy nursery is going on. Sowing of non paddy crops like maize, ragi, oilseeds, cotton, vegetables and spices is  also under progress.

Rainfall of this week is deficient but overall condition of crops is normal, said an estimate of the Agriculture Department.

To combat the ongoing crisis of rainfall shortage, the Agriculture Department is ready with short term paddy varieties like Khandagiri, Sahabhagi, M2U 1010, M2U 1001 and Naveen , which are adequately available in districts, said an official.

When asked about the uncertainty of rainfall, he suggested farmers not to go for upland paddy.

Rather, they should now concentrate on medium land, he added.

But sources apprehended that if there would be no rain for continuous two weeks, it will damage the entire paddy crop in the State.

The deficient rainfall situation has already triggered concern among farmers in western as well as coastal areas. The situation is grim in rich rice producing districts like Bargarh, Sambalpur, Subarnapur and Ganjam.