The agriculture meteorology department of Anand Agriculture University (AAU) has predicted 31% higher rainfall for Gujarat this monsoon, as against the average rainfall received by the state.
Of the four regions of the state, South Gujarat is expected to get the maximum rainfall. “South Gujarat will get 57% more rain than normal while the central and northern parts of the state will get 14% and 16% more rainfall than normal,” said Vyas Pande, professor and head of department, agriculture meteorology, AAU.
According to the prediction, Saurashtra will also have 36% higher rainfall this monsoon.
It should be noted that the Indian Meteorology Department has forecast an average monsoon across India this year. AAU publishes a monsoon panchang (almanac) every year which also makes predictions about rain. The predictions are based not only on scientific meteorological data but also on astrological indicators such as the ‘movement’ of planets through the 27 constellations (nakshatras).
Pande also said that though the total precipitation in the state is expected to be high this year, the onset of monsoon will be delayed as it was last year.
“This year too the onset of monsoon will be delayed. It is likely to start around the last week of June,” said Pande. He also said that the monsoon will be of shorter duration this year. “The monsoon will withdraw by mid-September. The state is likely to get maximum rainfall during the July-August period,” said Pande.
On the effect of the higher rainfall on agriculture, Pande said that in the light of the prediction, farmers can go for crops that require more rain. “We should also take advantage of the situation and look at conserving water through water harvesting,” he said.
The monsoon panchang, which is quite popular with the farmers of the state, is likely to be out by May 15. Besides predicting about rain, the panchang also advises farmers on general agricultural practices including how to prepare the land, what to sow, and cropping patterns among others.
According to university officials, the predictions of the panchang have proved right 70% of the time. Interestingly apart from scientists, even astrologers are involved in preparation of the almanac.
