Yavatmal district is experiencing a significant rainfall deficit this year, severely impacting thousands of hectares of cotton, soybean, and pigeon pea crops. This prolonged dry spell poses a serious threat to rain-fed agriculture, raising alarm among farmers about a potential decline in crop yields. The lack of adequate rainfall compared to the previous season has heightened concerns over food security in the region.
Around 38,682 hectares of cotton, soyabean and pigeon pea crops in the taluka are at risk of severe damage. The taluka has received around 30%-35% below-normal rainfall this year. Farmer Anup Chavan said that his family owns around 50 acres of farmland and that cotton and soyabean were cultivated on most of the land.
Due to the prolonged dry spell, pest attacks have increased in cotton, soyabean and pigeon pea crops, further threatening agricultural production.
Adding to the woes, frequent power outages make it difficult to supply water to the fields,” he said. Pramod Yadgirwar, associate director of Zonal Agriculture Research Station, Yavatmal, said the prevailing weather conditions have led to a significant increase in pest infestation in cotton and soyabean crops. Zari-Jamni taluka has been particularly affected by the inadequate rainfall. The tribal-dominated taluka depends heavily on agriculture for livelihood. This year, 421mm of rainfall was recorded in the corresponding period. Several water reservoirs in the taluka are yet to reach full capacity, adding to farmers’ concerns. A similar situation prevails in Digras taluka. resulting in rivers, lakes and dams filling up, Digras has received below-normal rainfall While several parts of the state have received heavy rainfall. The taluka received some rainfall during June and July, but August passed almost completely dry. “Nearly a month has passed without rainfall. The soybean crop has already been severely affected. Cotton crops have also suffered.
Last year, Zari-Jamni taluka recorded 628mm of rainfall till August.