MP’s Rajgarh Farmers Turn To Early-Maturing Wheat As Water Shortage Threatens Rabi Season

Rajgarh farmers in Madhya Pradesh are turning to early-maturing wheat due to a water shortage threatening the Rabi season. Scanty rainfall has left farmers worried about water availability for the upcoming sowing. As soybean harvest nears completion, demand for early-maturing wheat has surged, with seed prices reaching nearly Rs 3,500 per quintal.

Farmers note that wheat earnings are vital for covering annual household and agricultural expenses, as little remains from soybean income after expenditures on seeds, fertilizers, medicines, and labor. The Govindpura reservoir, a primary water source, is only about half full, prompting concerns about irrigation difficulties if little rain falls in the coming days.

Farmers are seeking wheat varieties that require limited irrigation and shorter growing periods to mitigate the risks of water scarcity. The agriculture department has advised farmers to choose crops based on available irrigation resources. Suggested alternatives to wheat include gram and mustard, which demand less water. Experienced farmers, such as Raghunathji Omkar Patel and Hariom Sirvi, warn that deficient rainfall could financially burden farmers beyond a single season.

They emphasize that poor Kharif and Rabi production could complicate preparations for future seasons, potentially taking about two years for household finances to recover.