Delayed rains may hit crops in Guj

Sowing in around 20 lakh hectares off the total 45 hectares of land brought under cultivation so far is likely to be adversely affected in the absence of sufficient rainfall in the state.

Even the government officials do not rule out the possibility of cotton, maize and paddy crops taking a major hit if the state does not receive satisfactory rainfall in the next one week.

 

Concerned over the erratic rainfall officials of the state agriculture department have started reviewing the situation.

The agriculture department has also chalked out a contigency plan, as part of which farmers would be advised about opting for alternative crops if the state fails to get enough rainfall in coming day. Meanwhile, farmers have sought power supply for 12 hours so that they can save the standing crops.

"Those farmers who had started cultivation in the first week of June are facing problems. However, there are chances of revival of monsoon in one week's time," State agriculture department sources said. A contigency plan has been prepared in the wake of erratic rainfall in many parts of the state.

"The state governmet would provde, if needed, information regarding alternative crops and also ensure availability of seeds for the purpose," sources added.

This year around 45 lakh hectares have been brought under cultivation so far. Sowing in many areas including Banaskantha, Bhavnagar, Surendranagar and Ahmedabad disricts have taken a hit due to delay in monsoon. Nearly 20 talukas have not witnessed noticeable increase in sowing either.