Drought threat looms large over Balangir July 30, 2011 11:34:21 PM

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Drought threat looms large over Balangir
July 30, 2011 11:34:21 PM
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SUDHIR MISHRA | Balangir

Drought seems to be looming large over Balangir district due to inadequate and erratic rainfall during the monsoon season now, with more than 50 per cent of Kharif paddy crop wilting. Since the beginning of the Kharif season, the uncertainty of rainfall has been haunting agricultural operations in the district.

In June, there was almost 50 per cent deficient rainfall. Farmers expecting that there would be good rainfall in July, which would help carry out the agricultural operations, but they are totally let down due to the inadequate and irregular rainfall in July too.

According to official sources, against the normal average of 336mm in the district, it has received a total of 185.5 mm rainfall till July 29 last,

which is woefully inadequate to carry agriculture operations.

As a result, virtually the farm operations have come to a standstill. The paddy plants in the nursery bed have already become old as the ideal time of planting the seedlings raised in the nursery bed is 21days from sprouting. Already, the plant seedlings in the nursery bed have become 40-45 days old.

Once the plant becomes old, the yield reduces drastically. Already in many parts of the district, the agricultural operations have been halted due to shortage of water.

Further, the seedlings planted have begun to wilt due to shortage of water. This is serious development, pointed out a worried Agriculture official. First of all the moisture stress in the soil is noticed due to shortage of water. There after the plants start yellowing. Already, this condition has been noticed in many parts. Once the yellowing process starts, the plant dies if it does not get water within three to seven days, he maintained.

Unless there is heavy rain within three to four days, the plants in the field are sure to perish, explained the official. Ironically, in spite of occurrence of numerous droughts in the district, there has been hardly any increase in the assured irrigation sources.

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