By Express News Service
UMERKOTE: The delay in arrival of monsoons has not augured properly for farmers in Nabarangpur district, with most of them but to sow seeds for kharif cultivation attributable to deficit rainfall up to now this yr. There are practically two lakh farmers in Nabarangpur district most of whom rely upon rainfall for cultivation as irrigation facility is reportedly obtainable for lower than 1o per cent land within the area.
For this kharif season, the district agriculture wing had set a goal to domesticate paddy over 1,30,000 hectare (ha) and maize on 85 ha. Usually, sowing is accomplished by first week of June yearly. However, agricultural actions are working not on time this season owing to insufficient rainfall until now
Official sources stated rainfall from May until June first week this yr is simply seven per cent (computer) as in comparison with corresponding interval in 2021. The month of May recorded 571 mm rainfall in opposition to 671 mm final yr whereas June recorded solely 48 mm as in comparison with 671 mm within the corresponding interval final yr.
As a consequence, over 80 per cent farmers are but to start work for the kharif cycle. This might imply large losses for them as many have already bought prime quality seeds. Besides, paddy and maize crops can’t develop properly with out good rains between June and August.
Sharing their apprehension, many farmers from Umerkote, Nandahandi and different blocks stated a drought-like state of affairs could prevail within the coming days if there is no such thing as a rainfall inside seven to 10 days and demanded the district administration to enhance irrigation services. “We could not sow seeds on time due to delay in monsoons. If there’s no rainfall this week, all of us will suffer huge losses,” stated Bhakchand Nayak, a farmer chief from Nabarangpur.
Contacted, extra district agriculture officer (ADAO) Bijay Patnaik stated, “There are different varieties of paddy. Farmers should opt for long duration paddy seeds which will be profitable in case of delayed monsoon.”
