With most districts in the state finally receiving rains in the last two days, the farmers are now hopeful of being able to sow their Kharif crops this season. However, the effect of the delay in the rains is feared to hit the whole season.

Agriculture experts say the farmers should opt for short and medium duration crops like bajra and Gurjari (paddy), which grow fast. Delay in rains is feared to hit the Rabi crop in the state, too. However, crops like tobacco, castor and pulses are not likely to be affected.

“The delay in monsoon will affect the entire season. The yield will certainly be less. If there is delay in harvesting the Kharif crop, it will also affect the Rabi crop such as wheat and grams,” said MC Varshneya, the Vice-Chancellor, Anand Agriculture University.

The crop of long duration paddy takes about 150 days before it is ready for the harvest. This means the land will be occupied till November 15. However, the farmers need the land from October 15 for Rabi crop, he said.

“But if they go for short-duration variety of paddy then it will take only 115-120 days. This means the farmer will get time to prepare the land for the Rabi crop,” said Varshneya.

According to sources in AAU, the rains in the state have been delayed by 25 days. Till July 11, the total rain received in Ahmedabad is 93 mm, Anand 65, Banaskantha 74, Kheda 65, Mehsana 78, Patan 54 and Vadodara. The data with the state control room shows that at least five districts had not received more than 30 mm rain till July 7.

... contd.