Despite nine districts recording deficient rainfall in the first month of the monsoon season, agricultural prospects in the State are looking up. The State Agriculture department on Friday said block-wise rain deficit data is being collected to ascertain the ground situation in the districts which have received less than normal rainfall.
According to the India Meteorological department, the State, as a whole, has received 258.3 mm rain between June 1 and June 30, the first monsoon month of the season. Against the normal rainfall of 213.8 mm, it is 21 per cent on the higher side.
At least 10 districts have recorded excess rainfall while nine have received deficient rains. Jajpur recorded the highest deficiency of 45 per cent, followed by 39 per cent in Jagatsinghpur. Northern districts such as Deogarh and Mayurbhanj have recorded 34 per cent and 32 per cent deficiency while five others __ Sambalpur, Sundargarh, Bhadrak, Balasore and Jharsuguda __ are also in deficiency range of 20 per cent to 30 per cent. Jajpur district, which recorded the highest deficiency, received 137.6 mm rain, but from agricultural activities point of view, it was good enough. “Whatever rain most parts of the State have received is good for farm activities. So there is nothing to worry,” Director, IMD, Odisha, S C Sahu said.
Director of Agriculture R Santhgopalan echoed the same feelings. “We are aware of the fact that certain districts have received deficient rainfall and we have sought block-wise data to understand the ground situation, but that apart, agricultural operation across the State has been sound so far,” he said.
Paddy coverage, he said, stands at 10 lakh hectare, which is very encouraging. Nurseries have been raised and normal operations are underway. The status of ragi was also the same while pulses and vegetable cultivation has been normal.
Since agricultural operations started early because of an early onset of monsoon, supply of seeds has been on track too. So far, 4.16 lakh quintal seed has been supplied. Baring one or two instances, pest attack reports have been next to nil in most parts of the State, he added.
The Met office said going by the current outlook, there will be no dry period in the State in the next six to seven days. There may not be heavy showers, but whatever rain the State receives would be sufficient for agriculture. By mid-July, farmers may need more showers, Sahu added.
At least 10 districts have recorded excess rainfall while nine have received deficient rains.
Jajpur recorded the highest deficiency of 45 per cent, followed by 39 per cent in Jagatsinghpur.
Northern districts such as Deogarh and Mayurbhanj have recorded 34 per cent and 32 per cent deficiency while five others __ Sambalpur, Sundargarh, Bhadrak, Balasore and Jharsuguda __ are also in deficiency range of 20 per cent to 30 per cent.