Chandrapur : A 40% rainfall deficit this monsoon has begun taking a toll on kharif crops in Chandrapur, with prolonged dry spells during critical growth stages leaving farmers worried about a sharp decline in yields and mounting production costs.
Initial field inspections by the district administration, after 12 out of 15 talukas in the district were declared drought-affected, have revealed flower and square shedding in cotton, fewer bolls and the possibility of nearly a 50% decline in cotton productivity. Paddy growth has also shown stunted growth, while vegetables, tur and soyabean crops have suffered due to declining soil moisture. Because of the lack of rain, “The paddy crop is turning yellow, and its growth has slowed.
Farmers have had to spend more to protect their crops, but there is no certainty about the yield,” said Maharashtra Krushi Bhushan award winner Vikesh Dhodre of Keroda, Saoli taluka. Soil moisture is declining and the crop has started wilting,” said Maharashtra Krushi Bhushan award winner Kondhuji Gajbhiye of Wadhona, Nagbhid. Some fields are nearing the stage of crop failure,” said another Maharashtra Krushi Bhushan award winner Mangesh Borkar of Ratnapur, Sindewahi.
The monsoon had initially brought enough rain to facilitate sowing, raising hopes of a good kharif season. However, a prolonged break in rainfall after sowing has left crops without adequate moisture at crucial stages of vegetative growth and yield formation. In several areas, crops have started wilting, while falling water levels in wells and borewells have further constrained irrigation. Paddy and cotton were affected early, with stunted growth, increased disease, and weed infestation. Paddy farmers in particular are facing mounting distress. “The paddy crop is at a critical stage. The prolonged dry spell has left it without adequate water.
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The crisis has compounded farmers’ financial burden. They have already invested heavily in seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, farm operations, spraying and labour, but the prolonged dry spell has raised serious doubts over whether the expenditure will be recovered. “Rainfall has been erratic since the beginning of the season.