Rainfall deficit in Vizianagaram raises fears over Kharif crop yields

Vizianagaram, a district in India, has been grappling with severe drought conditions this year, largely attributed to the effects of El Nino. This has left thousands of farmers worried about their crops, which rely heavily on rainfall for growth. According to official records, the district experienced a significant 37.22% deficit in rainfall over the past three months.

In June, the district received only 96.3 mm of rainfall, far below the normal average of 123.5 mm. This trend continued in July, with only 58.1 mm of rainfall, against the normal 170.8 mm. The same pattern was observed in August, where the district received 131.8 mm of rainfall, compared to the normal 161.6 mm.

The region typically receives around 455.9 mm of rainfall during the Kharif season. However, as of the end of August, only 286.2 mm of rainfall had been recorded. This consistent lack of rainfall has resulted in a significant reduction in crop areas, now standing at 59,337 hectares, down from the previous 123,608 hectares. Crops such as paddy, maize, and sugarcane, all of which require substantial amounts of water, are particularly affected.

Many rivers, canals, and ponds in the district have nearly dried up due to the prolonged lack of rainfall.

The Vizianagaram District Agriculture Department’s Joint Director, V.T. Ramarao, addressed these concerns, informing that the district administration is raising awareness among farmers about the importance of crop insurance, taking into account the impact of El Nino. He noted that fertilizer stocks are currently adequate in all mandals of the district.

Despite this, he expressed hope that the rainfall situation would improve in the coming months, although the first half of the Kharif season has already been severely impacted by the changing climatic conditions.

The Vizianagaram district president of AP Rythu Sangham, S. Gopalam, and the general secretary, B. Rambabu, have called on the government to provide a special financial package for farmers. They fear that many will struggle to earn sufficient income this year due to the monsoon deficit and the ongoing effects of El Nino.