The despair that had come to grip areas of Uttar Pradesh known for its rice cultivation is finally beginning to recede. Despite the delay, heavy rains that have lashed the state in the past week have given farmers reason to smile. For, not only are they expecting a high yield this year, but may actually benefit from the delay.

While agricultural experts believe the delayed monsoon will have no impact on the total rice production, it will bring in more money to the farmers. “The delayed monsoon is helpful in bringing more cash to farmers as the Basmati and Kala Namak, which are sold at high rates in the wholesale market, will provide a good yield this year,” says K.B. Singh, director, agriculture.

Chandrika Prasad, director general, Uttar P Council for Agriculture Research (UPCAR), concurs. The yield of certain varieties like the Kala Namak and Basmati 370 is good if the rains are delayed, he says, adding that it also helps improve the quality.

The crop weather watch group of the state government, at its meeting held on August 1, has also expressed pleasure over the rains and suggested that farmers complete the plantation within a week. According to the UPCAR, paddy plantation in the eastern districts—which received 30 per cent more than normal rain—is almost complete, but will take some time in the west.

With more than 20 mm rain in the last two days, paddy plantation picked up in the eastern parts, including Lucknow, Hardoi, Barabanki, Gonda, Siddharthnagar and Gorakhpur. According to Singh, 70-100 per cent paddy plantation has been completed in Gorakhpur, Azamgarh and Basti divisions.

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