Nizamabad: The dry spell in Nizamabad and Kamareddy districts has created uncertainty over crop cultivation in the upcoming Kharif season. Farmers are increasingly concerned about sowing paddy, the major crop in the region, as well as other alternative crops across Nizamabad, Bodhan, Armoor, Kamareddy, Banswada, and surrounding areas. Some farmers have even decided to launch agitation programmes, demanding the release of water from the Nizamsagar project.Out of 33 mandals in Nizamabad district, 23 mandals have recorded deficit rainfall, while only 10 mandals have received normal rainfall so far. Although the expected average rainfall till July 19 was 316.3 mm, the district has received only 225.9 mm. Farmers are struggling to save standing crops, while some have begun late sowing in the hope that rainfall will improve soon. Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Nizamabad district agriculture officer M. Govindu said fluctuations in rainfall are adversely affecting farmers this Kharif season. “The monsoon has been erratic, and farmers are understandably worried. Normally, by the end of July, agricultural activity is in full swing, but this year the situation is different,” he said. He added that early predictions of good rainfall had initially raised farmers’ hopes, but inconsistent rainfall across regions has caused setbacks. As of now, paddy cultivation has covered 3.26 lakh acres in Nizamabad district. Last year, the crop was sown in 4.36 lakh acres, and the agriculture department had expected to surpass that figure this year. If rainfall increases soon, another one lakh acres could still be brought under paddy cultivation. Some farmers have shifted to maize cultivation as an alternative. Agriculture officials are closely monitoring the evolving situation in both Nizamabad and Kamareddy districts. Meanwhile, inflows into the Sriramsagar and Nizamsagar projects have not significantly increased. While initial rains in the catchment areas led to some inflows, they remain insufficient. The lifting of Babli project gates at Dharmabad in Nanded district, Maharashtra, did help increase water flow in the Godavari River, benefiting Sriramsagar. Officials remain hopeful that heavy rains in Maharashtra and Karnataka will soon improve the situation.
Source link
