Farmers of Ranchi and its adjoining areas are observing the first sign of trouble due to slow down of monsoon this season. According to the meteorology department, Ranchi district has received 29 per cent less rainfall this month hampering the sowing of seeds to a great extent.
According to Agro Met Advisor at Birsa Agriculture University (BAU), A Wadood Ranchi and its adjoining areas have received only 13.8 mm rainfall till June 21 against the prediction of only 80.3 mm rainfall. As a result of which sowing has taken place only in 1, 20,343 hectares as against the targeted 3.34 lakh hectares.
However, drastic slow down of monsoon has brought down the area to under-sowing, raising concern of many farmers. Farmers in small pockets with access to the groundwater had already onset raising seed beds but with each passing day their anxiety level seems to be growing.
"Due to the weakening of cyclone storm 'Naunak' at Arabian Sea, monsoon got slowed down in this region. However, there seem to have developed local cloud which may bring in short spell of rain in the coming few days but it does not seem to fill in the deficit gap," added A Wadood.
Notably, short spell of rain during the onset of monsoon has triggered hope of good monsoon among the farmers. But now most of the farmers are keeping an eye on the sky for good spell of shower for their field. If the rain continues to play hide and seek game with the farmers for next another week or so, the situation is going to be worst.
"I have planned to complete the sowing work of my field by mid of June and have accordingly kept my field ready for sowing. But the sudden disappear of rain has thrown water on all my planning and preparations," said Ashok Kumar of Pithoria.
Meanwhile, the situation of those farmers who have already completed the sowing work is not different as lack of rainfall is affecting their yield too.
Agriculture and Sugarcane Department Deputy Director Anjani Kumar has termed the situation critical at this time. He said, "Good spell of shower is badly needed by the farmers else the farmers will have tough time this year. Finger cross for good and continuous rainfall in the coming weeks."
However, responding to the query whether the state has the threat of drought like situation he replied, "It will be too early to make any comment on it. However department is looking for a contingency plan just in case to protect the crops yield from getting affected."
She further added that discussion on different methods of sowing and growing process is going on as there is some moisture in the soil. The department prime focus is to protect the farmers from huge loss.