Bastar region experiences 50 per cent less rainfall

     Jagdalpur, August 06, 2011: Forestry Bastar region of Chhattisgarh has been experiencing a huge shortage of rainfall this monsoon, pushing the farmers in a worrisome situation.

     As per the record available with the state, about 40 to 50 per cent less rainfall has so far been received by various portions of the Bastar region, an emergency meeting convened to review the situation was informed today.

     Because of lack of sufficient rainfall there was fluctuation in temperature and humidity because of which the attacks of pests and insects have increased in the region, sources quoting Agriculture Department officials told ChhattisgarhTopNews.Com.

     It had also been advised to go for pulses and oilseeds instead of paddy cultivation if the shortage in rainfall was continued for another ten days.

     The Agriculture Department has also advised farmers to go for pest control first and then apply fertiliser in case the paddy plantation has been done about a month back.

     According to the available statistics, Narayanpur district received a shortage of 46 per cent rainfall where as Bastar district was having a shortage of 33 per cent rainfall.

     Similarly Bijapur district registered a less rainfall of 34 per cent, Dantewada 30 per cent and Kanker with 24 per cent less rainfall.

     From June 1 to August 6, Bastar district received an average rainfall of 632.8 MM, where as this season it was only 422.3 MM, or 33 per cent less rainfall, it said.

    During the same period Narayanpur district received 444.3 MM rainfall against the average rainfall of 628.7 mm or 46 per cent less rainfall.   

     Bijapur received a shortage of 34 per cent rainfall or 411 MM against the average of 762.3 MM during that period.

     Dantewada district received a shortage of 30 per cent less rainfall from June 1 to August 6 this year. During that period an average 674.4 MM rainfall was received by the district, where as this season during the same period it was only 472 MM, the report said.

     Kanker district received 24 per cent less rainfall or 524.3 MM against an average rainfall of 688 MM.