Nagpur: Farmers planning to cultivate wheat during the upcoming rabi season have been advised to restrict their sowing area according to assured irrigation availability, with the agriculture department cautioning against bringing large tracts under water-intensive crops amid fears of worsening water scarcity.
The advisory comes against the backdrop of deficient rainfall and the anticipated impact of El Niño, which could further strain water resources in the coming months. Wheat cultivation, which requires comparatively more irrigation, should be limited to areas where sufficient water is assured. Farmers with restricted irrigation facilities have been encouraged to consider gram, safflower and linseed, depending on local soil and weather conditions.
Bankar urged farmers to consult agriculture officials before finalising their sowing plans, stressing that matching crop selection and cultivated area with available water would help minimise financial risks arising from uncertain weather and irrigation shortages.