Maharashtra crisis about large regional variation in rainfall; Marathwada, Solapur worst hit

The Maharashtra government faces a crisis due to uneven rainfall distribution across the state during the current monsoon season. While the country experiences a 13% rainfall deficit, Maharashtra suffers a 18% deficit. This uneven distribution has led to severe impacts in specific regions.

Marathwada and Vidarbha, traditionally drought-prone regions, have suffered significantly. Marathwada has received 38% less rainfall than usual, while Vidarbha has a 27% rainfall deficiency. Seven districts, including Solapur, Dharashiv, Latur, Hingoli, Jalna, Beed, and parts of Nanded, have received only around 50% of normal rainfall, with Solapur being the exception.

These districts, primarily in Marathwada, are experiencing critical impacts on crop yields. Soyabean, a crucial crop, is expected to yield 40-50% of normal in Marathwada and 60-70% in Vidarbha. The soyabean crop will soon reach mandis, just before the Navratri festival, leading to price concerns. Currently, soyabean prices in Latur hover around Rs 5,600-5,700 per quintal, close to the government's Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 5,705.

The situation worsens for other crops like arhar/tur (pigeon pea), which requires a longer growth period. Arhar is expected to enter the flowering stage in early October and pod-filling in early November. Given the sparse rainfall and the influence of El Nino, this crop could face terminal moisture stress. Prices for arhar have already surged to Rs 9,000-9,200 per quintal in Latur, well above the MSP.

The real crisis looms for the upcoming rabi season. The existing soil moisture, reservoirs, and borewells are critically depleted, leaving little hope for sowing rabi crops such as chana and jowar. Farmers may face significant challenges in this season due to the persistent rainfall deficit.