Low rainfall likely to be made up in next two months
Low rainfall in southern and western regions is likely to be made up in next two months, or else rice, cotton and pulses production would be affected.
By PTI |
NEW DELHI: Low rainfall in southern and western regions is likely to be made up in next two months, experts say, or else rice, cotton and pulses production would be affected.
Rains of below average level in Karnataka, Kerala, Gujarat and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra have affected sowing operations in these areas, a scenario that could lead to production shortfall in rice, cotton and pulses.
"Current situation is critical and there is concern for the sowing of crops, particularly in the Marathwada region. But, we hope that the deficit in rainfall in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra and Gujarat will make up in next two months," Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) Director General Ajit Tyagi said.
When asked if the situation in these states is akin to drought, Tyagi said "It may not be as acute but there is a concern as this is the sowing period."
Maharashtra' Marathwada region, where pulses and soyabean are grown, has recorded 65 per cent deficit in rainfall till July 16, while there is 41 per cent deficiency in Kerala.
Telengana and Ryalseema in Andhra Pradesh received 33 per cent and 30 per cent less than normal rainfall till last week, while Gujarat's Saurashtra and Kutch region recorded 22 per cent and south and other parts of the state 24 per cent deficit in rainfall, he added.
Telangana is known for paddy cultivation and any deficit in rainfall indicates lower production of rice, experts said.
"The rainfall deficit in Gujarat is not of much concern as it is for Marathwada. Because another one or two spell in Gujarat will make up the losses in the state," Tyagi said.
He termed the conditions in northern Karnataka as critical where farmers are worried because of 50 per cent less rainfall this year. This part of the state is known for growing cotton, maize and pulses.
Rains of below average level in Karnataka, Kerala, Gujarat and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra have affected sowing operations in these areas, a scenario that could lead to production shortfall in rice, cotton and pulses.
"Current situation is critical and there is concern for the sowing of crops, particularly in the Marathwada region. But, we hope that the deficit in rainfall in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra and Gujarat will make up in next two months," Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) Director General Ajit Tyagi said.
When asked if the situation in these states is akin to drought, Tyagi said "It may not be as acute but there is a concern as this is the sowing period."
Maharashtra' Marathwada region, where pulses and soyabean are grown, has recorded 65 per cent deficit in rainfall till July 16, while there is 41 per cent deficiency in Kerala.
Telengana and Ryalseema in Andhra Pradesh received 33 per cent and 30 per cent less than normal rainfall till last week, while Gujarat's Saurashtra and Kutch region recorded 22 per cent and south and other parts of the state 24 per cent deficit in rainfall, he added.
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Telangana is known for paddy cultivation and any deficit in rainfall indicates lower production of rice, experts said.
"The rainfall deficit in Gujarat is not of much concern as it is for Marathwada. Because another one or two spell in Gujarat will make up the losses in the state," Tyagi said.
He termed the conditions in northern Karnataka as critical where farmers are worried because of 50 per cent less rainfall this year. This part of the state is known for growing cotton, maize and pulses.
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