Nanded district administration on Sunday inspected Kharif crops affected due to the recent long gap in rainfall in rural areas
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar : After a prolonged lean phase of monsoon spanning over Aug and Sept, light to moderate showers returned to many parts of Marathwada during the past 24-hours ended by Sunday morning, bringing some relief to farmers among others. The region, encompassing eight districts, recorded an average of 7.5 mm showers with many areas recording double digit rainfall after more than one and half months. In isolated cases of downpour, two revenue circles — Sarsam from Himayat Nagar taluka (97 mm) and Umri (65 mm) from Nanded district — recorded heavy rainfall of more than 65 mm. Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar received over 11 mm rainfall till Sunday evening. Among eight districts of Marathwada, both Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Nanded district recorded maximum 13mm rainfall, followed by Beed (11 mm), Jalna (9 mm), Latur, Hingoli (both 8 mm), Parbhani and Dharashiv (both 5 mm). The Sept rainfall deficiency of Marathwada has come down to 76% from earlier over 85%. Dharashiv still has maximum 93% rainfall deficiency in September, followed by Latur (87%), Parbhani (85%), Jalna (78%), Hingoli (74%), Beed (71%), Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (70%) and Nanded (62%). Marathwada has received over 400 mm rainfall since June 1 and the region is showing 32% rainfall deficiency.
Monsoon Revival Offers Hope for Kharif Crop Recovery
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts increased rainfall over the next few days across various regions of Marathwada. This resurgence of the monsoon is anticipated to aid in the partial recovery of Kharif crops, which have suffered from wilting due to prolonged dry spells.
Ravi Kale, a farmer from the Jatwada area of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, reported that the lack of rain had already impacted the growth of tur and cotton crops on his eight-acre farm. He expressed cautious optimism, stating, “With rain returning now, we may get at least 30% to 40% of expected yield if no more adversaries occur.”
Despite the potential benefits of renewed rainfall, many farmers believe that the damage to their crops has already been done. Additionally, water resources are strained, as many dams in the region are currently reserved solely for drinking needs due to the poor rainy season earlier this year.