ROURKELA: Amid sign of erratic monsoon, the rain-fed Sundargarh district in June received less than the average rainfall of 237.4 mm even as the faulty distribution pattern was prominent in 17 blocks. However, agriculture authorities claimed that there has been no impact on paddy farming activities.
Sources said in the past 29 days, the district received average rainfall of 167.37 mm, which was 60 to 65 mm less than the normal rainfall it receives in the month. The district witnessed sporadic rainfall at scattered locations on Tuesday.
While Koida block received excessive rainfall at 347 mm, Subdega received only 40 mm. Similarly, Hemgir, Bonai and Lahunipara got 216 mm, 202 mm and 221 mm respectively, while Lefripara, Bisra and Lathikata blocks received above 190 mm and Bargaon, Rajgangpur and Kuanrmunda blocks received above 165 mm. The Tangarpali, Balishankara and Nuagaon blocks received 129 mm to 137 mm, while Sundargarh Sadar block got 97 mm.
Citing faulty distribution pattern, agriculture authorities pointed out that though Koida block received excessive rainfall at 347 mm there was no rain at all in 15 days of the month, while in other eight days Koida received medium to heavy rain totaling 276 mm. Rest seven days saw very low to low rainfall.
The district has an irrigation coverage of 25,000 ha to 30,000 ha and during the Kharif season, farmers depending on monsoon cultivate paddy on about 2.13 lakh hectares.
Deputy Director of Agriculture KN Mohapatra said the deficient rainfall in June would not affect paddy farming. He claimed that nursery raising activities to grow paddy seedlings have been completed in 25 per cent of the area. Similar activities are underway in the remaining parts, he said and added that adequate water would be required for transplanting operations which would continue till August.
Those areas which have received comparatively better rainfall are going for transplanting operations, he said. Farmers said agriculture activities would be delayed in pockets facing inadequate rainfall.