Although monsoon was slightly delayed in Jharkhand the initial trends for rainfall suggests that the State is heading towards a condition, which would be conducive for timely sowing of paddy saplings across vast agricultural lands and the long-term predictions point towards a better harvest, however, with certain pre-requisites that could be known only with time. According to Ranchi office of Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), several districts of Jharkhand including rice cultivating regions have experienced a surplus rainfall since June 21 when the IMD officially declared arrival of monsoon.
“The amount of rainfall is just enough to start preparatory exercises for paddy showing. There is no need for more rains at this stage as it would disrupt agriculture activities. Additional rain however would not affect crops,” said Agriculture Scientist at Birsa Agriculture University, A Wadood.
Notably, Hazaribagh, Dumka, latehar, West Singhbhum, lohardaga and Ramgarh have experienced a surplus of 111 per cent, 40 per cent, 29 per cent, 11 per cent, nine rainfall per cent respectively over the average figures at the onset of monsoon, whereas Chatra has also been blessed with adequate rain to facilitate agriculture activities. The short term prediction by IMD confirms continuance of the initial trend. Despite surplus in certain pockets, Jharkhand is deficient in rainfall.
“Jharkhand is deficient by 7 per cent but we can still say it is normal. Rain deficit is close to 60 per cent in certain districts whereas there are districts which is surplus in rainfall. Rainfall will be good for the next five days,” said Forecast Officer at IMD Ranchi, U Srivastava.The spell of rain at the onset of monsoon and the overall prediction of rainfall touching 90 per cent of the average rainfall recorded during monsoon means a better harvest for paddy, oil seeds, maize and pulses. But, despite all the encouraging developments about rain scientists and officials of Agriculture department are still skeptical about the end result which depends on rain distribution pattern.“Rainfall predictions can be considered as normal. So, more than rainfall, a better harvest will depend on the distribution of rain in Jharkhand,” added Wadood.
Meanwhile, the Agriculture department seems to be enthusiastic about a better harvest season as a result of pre-monsoon activities intended to educate farmers about various techniques for farming and schemes to spruce up farmers for agriculture activity. Around one-lakh tonne seeds of various crops are being distributed by the department besides expediting 4-lakh Kisan Credit Card forms for Rabi and Kharif crops. The department collected around 50,000 KCC applications after rolling out special vehicle for spreading awareness among farmers.“We apprised farmers about farming techniques, technology, soil testing and various other information related to agriculture. We are distributing seeds and we will also depute one official in each district to monitor agriculture activities,” said Director Agriculture, Jatashankar Chaudhary.