Maharashtra receives 80 pc of month's rainfall at onset

With bountiful rains, monsoon has set in satisfactorily in Maharashtra with the state receiving 80 per cent rainfall of the month at the very beginning of the season.

An official at agriculture department said the onset of monsoon has brought cheer amid predictions that it was going to be inadequate this year.

"Some parts of Marathwada are yet to receive rains but farmers are hopeful to have good crops this year. The state government is also glad to see the ambitious Jalyukta Shivar scheme, meant for water conservation, getting good result," the official said.

According to government figures, the total rainfall so far was 178 mm, which is 80 per cent of the average rainfall in the month of June.

Apart from Mumbai and Konkan regions, western Maharashtra and Vidarbha have received good downpour. Areas in Marathwada like Beed, Latur, Osmanabad are yet to receive satisfactory rainfall in the season.

"It is a good beginning for the season. Mumbai, Vidarbha is receiving good rains. However, the Marathwada region needs to catch up a little more," Transport Minister Diwakar Raote, who hails from Marathwada, said.

The minister further said the farmers have started sowing and are hoping better crops this time after drought for four consecutive years.

State's dry region Marathwada was badly hit by farmer suicides after Vidarbha.

"The state has received 109 per cent of normal rainfall in the season. Last year around this time, the percentage was as low as 31. We are hoping farmers will benefit from the timely rain. Though the prediction this year was worrisome, figures indicate a good beginning," the official said.

A CMO official said the 'Jalyukta Shivar' scheme is working very well, adding, "the check dams are filling with rain water and other water resources created. This will also recharge the ground water level. We are aiming to include more villages under the scheme next year.