More trials in store for farmers as rain intensifies
Farmers are bracing themselves for challenges as heavy showers (orange and yellow alerts) are predicted until July 27. It may be noted that sowing has already been delayed which is likely to impact kharif production in Maharashtra.
The India Meteorological Department has issued advisories to several regions urging farmers to take precautionary measures to protect their crops. In order to mitigate the risk of water stagnation and subsequent crop damage, the department has provided specific recommendations for farmers in different regions. Farmers in Konkan, Gujarat, and ghat regions of Madhya Maharashtra have been told to postpone transplanting of rice and finger millet to avoid potential damage to the crops. Loss to horticulture and standing crops in some areas due to inundation has also been forecast.
Kailas Dakhore, agro-meteorologist at Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Agricultural University, who assists the state agriculture department issue advisories to farmers, told TOI, “Soybean, cotton and pigeon pea are not water-loving crops; farmers have been advised to establish a proper drainage system in the fields. Excess moisture can be detrimental to these crops.”
He said regions such as Madhya Maharashtra, Marathwada, and Vidarbha can experience adverse effects on crop health, leading to yellowing and losses due to excessive water in fields. “The accumulation of water in the fields takes days to naturally drain out, emphasizing the necessity of implementing a drainage mechanism.” Kharif crops in parts of Maharashtra are currently in vegetative state, he added.
Akola-based farmer Gajanand Wahokar told TOI, “Earlier, the lack of rains was affecting crops. Now, the recent heavy rain spells are showing an adverse effect. The recent spells washed away my soyabean and pigeon pea crops. Several fields are still waterlogged and no sowing can be done. Moreover, I cannot sow soyabean crop anymore as the sowing period is over. I will have to keep the field barren and undertake chickpea sowing in August.”
As per the India Meteorological Department, the upcoming rain spell in the region is expected to bring several impacts, with localized flooding of roads, waterlogging in low-lying areas, and the closure of underpasses being major concerns, particularly in urban areas. The heavy rainfall may occasionally reduce visibility, further complicating travel conditions. Major cities are likely to experience disruptions in traffic flow due to waterlogged roads, leading to increased travel time for commuters. Additionally, unpaved roads may suffer minor damages and there is a possibility of vulnerable structures being harmed.
“Hilly areas could be at risk of localized landslides and mudslides, posing a threat to the safety of those residing in the regions. The agricultural sector may also face adverse effects, with damage expected to horticulture and standing crops due to inundation in certain areas. Moreover, there is a potential risk of riverine flooding in some river catchment areas, necessitating vigilance and preparedness measures to mitigate the potential impact of the upcoming rain spell,” the India Meteorological Department said.