Timely rain raises hope of good harvest

Timely onset of monsoon in Surat and south Gujarat has risen hopes of a good crop this year. With the heavens opening up, the farmers are busy preparing for the cultivation season.

Bipin Desai, a leading farmer in the region was ecstatic about the arrival of monsoon. "Rain has started just about the right time. it is good to see that monsoon is not scattered and has set-in properly all across the state."

Desai said that continuous rain will not be a problem. "There would be no problem if rains continue for some more days. Sowing of cotton seeds has just begun, so continuous rain should not cause any problem. However, incessant rainfall after the sowing, could be a matter of concern," said Desai.

"Once the rains abate, sowing the seeds of other crop would begin," Desai added.

D V Thakore, an official at the district agriculture centre, also echoed similar views.

"Sowing the seeds of pulses such as tuver and mag, and paddy has already been completed. The sowing the seeds of cotton is in progress. The timely arrival of monsoon is always a good. The amount of rainfall received in the region so far indicates a good crop," Thakore said.

Incessant rainfall, however, could hurt crops, especially in low-lying areas.

"The fields in low-lying areas would be submerged under the water if rains continue unabated in the region. This would affect the quality as well as the quantity from the region," Thakore said.