Bhubaneswar, Aug 28: As many as 11 districts of Odisha have recorded a large deficit of rainfall in August that has impacted the Kharif cultivation season triggering fears of drought among farmers.
“Eleven districts have received 20-35 percent less rainfall. Monsoon arrived late in the state this year which delayed cultivation. Besides, the three long gaps in rainfall have dried up farmlands,’ said weather and agriculture expert Dr. Surendranath Pasupalak.
According to the mathematical analysis the state received 10 percent less rainfall on average. But, 11 districts have witnessed a large deficit of rainfall, he added.
The meteorological data revealed that since June 1 Nabarangpur has received 39 percent less than average rain, Kalahandi 34 percent, Ganjam 32 percent, Kendrapara 35 percent, Jagatsinghpur 25 percent, Jajpur 25 percent, Khordha 24 percent, Puri 23 percent, Cuttack 22 percent, Rayagada 23 percent and Koraput 21 percent.
Balasore, Mayurbhanj, Balangir, Nayagarh, and Nuapada districts will also be added to the rain deficit districts if the dry weather continues for another few days.
The state has been experiencing dry weather for the last few days at a time when paddy needs water. The meteorological department has predicted rainfall for three to four days after September 2 and dry weather in the second and third weeks of the month.
