With heavens opening up, farmers are back in their agricultural fields of the district. Heavy rainfall in July has laid to rest the fear of a poor harvest.
As Sambalpur received 194.59 mm of rain in June, less than normal rainfall of 221 mm, farmers were apprehensive that insufficient rainfall would upset their cultivation plans. But in July, 501.93 mm of rain was recorded against normal rainfall of 429.5 mm.
This year, the Agriculture Department has targeted to cultivate paddy in over 1,04,800 hectares (ha) of land. While broadcasting of seeds has been targeted over 42,363 ha of rain-fed land, transplanting is targeted over 62,437 ha in command area. As per official figures as on July 31, while broadcasting was completed in over 41,396 ha, transplantation was undertaken in 24,845 ha.
The district received 300.75 mm of rainfall in last 12 days of which, 124.1 mm was recorded on July 30 and 31 due to low pressure. Due to heavy rainfall, water level in Hirakud reservoir has also increased. Deputy Director of Agriculture Ashok Mohanty said transplantation of paddy saplings is over by August 15. However, this year it will take some more time due to less rain in June.