Delay in the arrival of monsoon, in addition to the forecast of below average rains in the coming months, is likely to hit paddy production by as much as 40 per cent in Uttar Pradesh, according to the Agriculture department. Maize production is also set to be hit.

Since most of the paddy crop in the state is rain-fed, it has already wilted away in large tracts. “In eastern and central UP, farmers are still primarily dependent on the traditional rain-fed paddy crops. The practice of having a second crop is still not common,” said an official, explaining why the loss cannot be made up.

Usually, paddy transplantation in the state is completed by June 15. In 2008, transplantation was conducted in nearly 3.44 lakh hectare area. This year, so far, only 2.53 lakh hectares has been covered for want of rain.

“Add to this the loss on account of the 91,000 hectare, where there has been no transplantation due to the absence of rain,” said an official at the Agriculture Directorate. Incidentally, eastern Uttar Pradesh — the major rice growing belt - is also one of the poverty-stricken areas of the state.

Dr I P Singh, Deputy Director (Farms and Seeds), said: “The paddy crop has already started wilting. If the rainfall is below normal in the coming weeks, then things would be worse. Crop of pulses and oil seed like toria and mustard would also be delayed.”

He added that the department was trying to ensure that seeds for the second crop are easily made available to the farmers. “Production of paddy is sure to go down, but we do not want the farmer to suffer. Hence, we are preparing for an alternative crop,” said Singh.