Amravati district is facing significant agricultural challenges due to a 40-day dry spell. This prolonged lack of rainfall has severely affected major Kharif crops, including soyabean, cotton, and tur. The agriculture department has projected a potential decline of up to 40% in average crop yields as a result of these adverse weather conditions.
Of the district’s 14 talukas, 11 have recorded a rainfall deficit of more than 25%, while the crop-water situation has become critical in 69 of the 92 revenue circles. The Meteorological Department has forecast rain from Sept 24, but farmers remain sceptical as several forecasts have failed to bring significant rainfall so far.
Agriculture officials said scanty rainfall has left insufficient moisture in the soil, while rising temperatures are rapidly depleting what remains. Orange growers are also staring at heavy losses as insufficient rainfall has triggered drought-like conditions across the district. Though sowing was satisfactory initially, the prolonged dry spell has severely affected crop growth. Except in Anjangaon Surji taluka, the situation is delicate across the district. If the rain does not arrive in time, farmers could face severe losses this Kharif season. This is affecting crop growth and the pod-filling process, making a significant drop in yield likely.