The spectre of drought looms large over vast tracts of Uttar Pradesh as 64 districts in the State have received less than normal rainfall this monsoon, with several of these staring at drought-like conditions.
According to Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) data, only 11 of the 75 UP districts have received normal rainfall till August 19. The government, however, maintained that rain in coming days would bridge the deficit though farmers fear it is already too late.
The farmers in eastern and central UP are worried that the paddy crop is getting damaged and any further delay in rain would ruin the Kharif crop. Paddy farmers have been particularly affected, first by the delay in rains and then by its deficit. Jaunpur is among the districts that have received least rainfall this monsoon.
According to the IMD data, the district has received 74 per cent less rainfall. The district recorded only 123.2 mm of rainfall this monsoon compared with the long-period average (LPA) of 471.5 mm till August 19 and falls in the category of large deficit regions.