2 hrs ago
Drought-Like Conditions Threaten Dharashiv Crops After 80 Rainless Days
Dharashiv district in Maharashtra has gone without rain for about 80 days.
It received only about half of the rain it normally expects.
The lack of water has lowered groundwater levels by 7.02 metres.
Many crops are drying up in the fields.
Plants that survived are struggling during important growth stages.
The government report says crop losses could reach 80-85%.
Farmers are using dried soybean plants as food for their cattle.
A Maharashtra minister said drought-like conditions are affecting 18 districts and nearly half the state’s farmers.
Dharashiv recorded 310.7 mm of rain against an expected 603.1 mm, a 49.49% shortfall.
Most parts of the district received no rain for 80 days through September 12.
Average groundwater levels fell 7.02 metres below the previous five-year average.
Crop losses could reach 80-85%, with severe moisture stress affecting soybean and other Kharif crops.
Farmers are feeding dried soybean plants from their fields to cattle amid the conditions.
- Who
- Farmers in Dharashiv district and the Maharashtra government are affected by and responding to the rainfall shortage.
- What
- A government report warned of severe crop losses after prolonged lack of rain and a 7.02-metre drop in average groundwater levels.
- Where
- Dharashiv district in Maharashtra’s Marathwada region, formerly known as Osmanabad.
- When
- The district had received no rain in most areas for 80 days through September 12; the report was reported on September 16.
- Why
- Rainfall was 49.49% below the district’s average, causing moisture stress during crop flowering, pod formation and grain filling.
Key facts
- Actual rainfall
- 310.7 mm
- Expected average rainfall
- 603.1 mm
- Rainfall deficit
- 49.49%; actual rainfall was 51.51% of expected rainfall
- Rainless period
- 80 days in most parts of the district through September 12
- Groundwater decline
- 7.02 metres below the previous five-year average
- Cultivated area
- 5.39 lakh hectares during the Kharif season
- Soybean area
- 4.67 lakh hectares
- Estimated crop loss
- 80-85%
Sources
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