Kharif crop production likely to be hit in Kandhamal

The Kharif crop production in Odisha's Kalahandi district is likely to be severly hit due to scanty rainfall and moisture stress level condition in the soil, official sources said.
"Now severe moisture stress conditions have been reported throughout the district, mostly in non-irrigated pockets. Yellowing of paddy seedlings in nursery bed has been reported. Crops in sandy soil have also been critically affected," Deputy Director Agriculture Laxman kumar Palatasingh said.
The official said growth of plants has been stalled due to inadequate rainfall and moisture condition.
Paddy and non-paddy plants in non-irrigated pockets in all the 13 blocks of the district have been reportedly affected by the long dry phase and moisture stress, the official said adding the agriculture department field staff have been directed by district administration to assess the situation in all blocks.

Though the district experienced good rainfall in June, the amount of rain gradually declined in July and August. The farmers took up land preparation, nursery raising, broadcasting of paddy and sowing of non paddy crops like Cotton and Maize. However the dry phase of July and August disturbed all such calculations and disrupted the prospect of Kharif cultivation in the district, the official said.
For non-paddy crops like cotton and maize, temporary wilting condition, a field official said adding this year cotton crop has grown in 46162 hectors.