Nine districts, which have received scanty rainfalls in the early phase of this year’s monsoon in the State, are likely to witness drought conditions.The weather models indicate that there is no possibility of rain in these districts in the next eight days although there is a likelihood of a low pressure forming along the Odisha coast around July 12.
No agricultural activities have been started in the districts -- Ganjam, Balangir, Gajapati, Kalahandi, Malkangiri, Rayagada, Bargarh, Subarnapur and Kandhamal.According to agrometeorologist Dr Surendranath Pasupalak, the average rainfall in 12 districts has been 62 per cent to 83 per cent deficient despite the low pressure-triggered rainfalls.Till July 2, Kandhamal has received a mere 17 per cent of the average rainfall followed by Boudh (21 %), Subarnapur (23%), Kalahandi (24%), Balangir (31%), Dhenkanal, Malkangiri and Ganjam (33% each) and Gajapati, Nayagarh and Sambalpur (34% each).
Agriculture Department sources, however, said conditions for paddy cultivation in the coastal and interior districts have improved following the recent low pressure-induced rainfalls. But the conditions in the western and southern districts have become a matter of concern as a drought-like situation has emerged in these areas.Dr Pasupalak, however, said there is a possibility of formation of a cyclonic circulation over south Odisha and south Andhra Pradesh by July 8 which might take the shape of a low pressure by July 13.
He said most parts of south Odisha would receive decent rainfalls if the low pressure is formed. However, it cannot be said whether Ganjam and Gajapati would receive adequate rainfalls.The State has received an average rainfall of a meagre 33 mm till June 30. However, four districts, Bargarh, Ganjam, Kandhamal and Subarnapur, have failed to get even 2.5 mm rainfall a day during this period.Against an average rainfall of 220 mm in the State in June, Kalahandi recorded 102 mm, followed by Gajapati (100 mm), Bargarh (99 mm), Malkangiri (89 mm), Ganjam (82 mm ), Rayagada (78 mm), Bolangir (70 mm),Sonepur (68 mm) and Kandhamal (67 mm).