Gujarat: Rains give a fresh lease of life to kharif sowing

A fortnight ago Kharif sowing in the state came to a grinding halt due to deficit rains across the state. As dry spell continued, farmers feared possible crop damage. However, incessant rains for the past 11 days have washed down the fears of farmers who are hoping for a good yield.

Over 510 mm rains during the last 11 days had proved to be a blessing for the agriculture sector which was reeling under a threat of drought till the third week of July. According to the department of Agriculture, so far over 63 lakh hectare land had been sown across the state. With a forecast of more rains ahead, Kharif acreage will get a major boost.

While the onset of monsoon in the state was delayed, rains in the aftermath of Vayu cyclone had compensated for lack of the deficit. By the end of June, the state had received 104 mm rains, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC). Widespread rains had prompted farmers to sow the crops. However, it was followed by a long dry spell. The state did not receive heavy rainfall till the third week of July, considered as one of the most important months for rains. By July 25, the state had recorded only 240.34 mm rains. Farmers had their fingers crossed and were eagerly awaiting rains as the sowing run a risk of damage because of rainfall deficit.

Things changed in the last week of July when the state started receiving widespread rains, while some parts of north, central and south Gujarat received extremely heavy rains. Even parts of Saurashtra, where over 36 lakh hectare land had been sowed, have received heavy rains. According to SEOC data, the state recorded 510.82 mm rains till the morning of August 6, which accounts for 62.60% of the seasonal average of 816 mm rains.

(Source: Department of Agriculture, Gujarat)

This has changed the mood among the farming community of the state. The gloomy sentiments have gone and farmers are now happy that they have witnessed a conducive monsoon till now. A senior official of Agriculture department told DNA that recent rains have given crops a new lease of life. "Delay in rains in between had destroyed sowing in some parts while in most parts, crops badly needed next spell of rains. The recent spell was timely in this sense. Wherever crops have been destroyed, farmers still have time to grow short-term crops. We are trying to analyse the impact of rains. As the water recedes, we will be able to gauge the exact status of rains," said the official.

Sagar Rabari, founder president of Gujarat Khedut Ekta Samiti said crops that survived in spite of monsoon delay is now safe because of rains. "Rainfall at regular intervals will ensure a good yield this Kharif season. Good rainfall during Navaratri will ensure a good rabi sowing," said Rabari.

B K Kikani, former vice-chancellor of Junagadh Agriculture University told DNA that rains have been very steady in Saurashtra, which is good for Kharif crops. However, a few more spells of heavy rains are needed for dams to get filled.

The state has been witnessing inadequate and erratic rains for the past two years, affecting the productivity of farms. Thus, a good yield is what the farmers are looking forward to this year, and a good monsoon is conducive to it.

A Ray Of Hope For Farmers  

• So far over 63 lakh hectare land had been sown across the state. With a forecast of more rains ahead, Kharif acreage will get a major boost 
• Rainfall at regular intervals will ensure a good yield this Kharif season; while good rainfall during Navaratri will ensure a good rabi sowing, say farmers