Delay in rain hits Kharif farm operations

ANANTAPUR: Poor sowings were reported in the initial stage of the Kharif season due to rain deficiency in the region even in June's second week, due to delayed Southwest monsoon.

The major crop during the kharif season is groundnut. Farmers were shocked as they had already procured the seeds of groundnut and other intercrops but were unable to initiate the cultivation process.

Official reports said only about 16 per cent rainfall was recorded and the rain deficit was 76 per cent across the state. The Rayalaseema region purely depends on the kharif season but faces worse conditions this season.

Anantapur district, the top grower of groundnut in the country, had a rain deficit in the initial stage of the kharif season. Normally, cultivation practices have to start from the first week of June. But many lands were idle even during the third week as the southwest monsoon got stuck in the Rayalaseema region without further movement. The region depends on southwest monsoon rains for its agricultural operations.

Groundnut was sown only in around 34,000 acres in the region so far as against the total acreage of eight lakh hectares.

The cultivation practices traditionally start from Mrigasira Karthi Punnami, 15 days ago. Though farmers have formally offered poojas, cultivation was taken up in the dry lands.

Agriculture officials noticed rain deficit results such as poor sowing in all parts of Rayalaseema though the Kharif season should have begun three weeks ago. Further, the scorching sun touching about 40 degrees resembled a peak summer scenario. This, along with heat waves, forced farmers to remain away from farming activities.

The legal metrology department said rain deficiency was recorded at all mandals in the region with a deficit of more than 70 per cent during the present peak season.

Though unseasonal heavy rain lashed the region during January - March, the standing crops suffered badly and the horticulture sector felt the worst impact. Banana, mango and sweet orange crops got damaged at various stages.

Farmers who were ready to go for groundnut sowings were waiting for the showers of the rainy season.