Deficit rainfall may hit paddy yield in Srikakulam

Srikakulam: Even after the district witnessed low-pressure for two times in Bay of Bengal in recent past, the overall monsoon deficit recorded is 38 per cent till today. As a result, kharif cultivation works, mainly paddy crop was affected badly.

According to joint director for planning department M Mohan Rao, normal rainfall from June 1 to till July 28 in the district is 11,627 mm but till July 28 the total rainfall reported across the district is 7,183.8 mm. As per calculations, 38.2 per cent less rainfall reported so far in the district.

Out of total 38 mandals in the district, only six mandals, Rajam, Veeragattam, Laveru, G Sigadam, Kanchili and Sompeta have received normal rainfall till Sunday. Four mandals Santhakaviti, Bhamini, Gara and Palasa mandals received scanty rainfall which is totally insufficient for cultivation works.

Remaining all 28 mandals received deficit rainfall as against normal. For the last three days also, only moderate rainfall reported in several mandals which is insufficient for kharif works.

"Actually, we planned to start kharif works one month ahead but rains did not support us as a result kharif season delayed for more than a month," said Joint Director for Agriculture K Ch Appala Swamy to The Hans India. Particularly, paddy farmers need to adopt direct sowing method to save time and water than traditional replantation mode, the JD-A suggested.