Delayed monsoon hits kharif farming in Gaya

Gaya: The monsoon has already been delayed by 10 days in Gaya district and as per meteorological predictions, the chances of rainfall in the next few days are extremely slim. The unusual heatwave-like conditions prevailing at this stage of the kharif season have worsened the situation.Consequently, kharif crops have been badly hit and kharif sowing, particularly of millets, is yet to begin in the district, causing acute distress among farmers. As per official estimates, 74 to 80% of the district’s population of over five million depends directly on agriculture and allied activities. Experts said that had monsoon activity been normal, paddy seedling transplantation should have been over by now.As per the official figures from the agriculture department, against a target of 18,251 acres, seedlings have been planted in only 5,514 hectares, indicating a shortfall of nearly 70% in paddy seedling plantation. Actual paddy transplantation is yet to begin. The target is to ensure paddy transplantation in 1,82,512 hectares.District agriculture officer Sanjeev Kumar said against normal rainfall of 143mm between April 1 and June 25, the district has recorded about 91mm, translating into a deficit of around 38%.

“The figure is misleading as rainfall has not been evenly distributed month-wise, with the deficit more pronounced in June. The second half of June is considered crucial for kharif crops and the monsoon generally enters Gaya district around June 15,” he said.Millets, pulses and oilseeds are the worst hit due to the delayed and uncertain monsoon. “There has been zero plantation of pulses, millets and oilseeds so far. The target is to sow pulses in 5,273 hectares, millets in 1,316 hectares and oilseeds in about 1,000 hectares,” Kumar said, adding that maize and finger millet (madua) form the bulk of the millet category, while groundnut and sesame along with sunflower are key oilseed crops in the district.Sanjay Singh, a farmer from Paraiyya block, said the delayed monsoon was not the only worry. Besides the rainfall deficit, he cited fertiliser shortage and depleting groundwater as serious concerns. “A fall in groundwater levels could also lead to a drinking water shortage,” he said.No report of acute water shortage has been received from anywhere in the district so far, and no restriction has been imposed on pumping groundwater for agricultural purposes. However, groundwater levels are being closely monitored and, if the situation warrants, restrictions may be imposed on pumping for irrigation as drinking water availability remains the top priority, sources in the district administration said.