Chamba farmers rejoice as rain revives maize crop
In Chamba, recent rains have revived maize crops, previously struggling due to a prolonged dry spell. The district faced a 30% rain deficit, receiving only 140.3 mm of the usual 224.7 mm. Farmers are hopeful for a good harvest as moisture returns, aiding crucial tasks like weeding and fertilizing. Despite a persistent dry period and a fall armyworm pest issue, the rains bring much-needed relief. The MeT Department has issued a yellow alert for potential heavy rains and thunderstorms in the coming week.
Chamba, July 23
Over the past two days, rain in the upper regions of Chamba has saved the maize crop from potential damage and brought the much-needed relief and delight to the farmers. The prolonged dry spell had affected maize crops in several areas, causing grave concern among the agricultural community. However, the rains have rejuvenated the crop, restoring hopes of a good harvest with the moisture returning to the fields, farmers can now proceed with the crucial tasks of weeding and fertilising their crops. The absence of rain had made these activities extremely challenging and almost impossible.
Bheem Singh, a farmer from Churah, said the dry spell in the region had caused the maize crop to wither. “The adverse weather conditions became a cause for concern among the farming community, but the recent showers have brought relief to us,” he said.
Another farmer, Khem Raj from Salooni, said, “Maize is a major crop that is cultivated in the region and is a source of livelihood for many farming families.”
“It has rained in the area over the past two days and now, we hope for a good harvest. We pray that the rain spell continues for a few more days,” he added.
Maize is cultivated in over 2,200 hectares in the district, making it a significant source of livelihood. After the rainfall, the Agriculture Department has issued an advisory, suggesting that the farmers could now safely use fertilisers as in dry conditions, these could have harmed the crop.
While maize is a major crop in the upper hills, paddy is grown in the low-lying areas, which have also experienced scanty rainfall.
Due to the prolonged dry spell, the maize crop was also infested with the fall armyworm pest in the Salooni-Churah region.
The dry spell in various parts of the district had resulted in near-drought conditions, preventing farmers from planting maize and other crops on time. Even with slight moisture in areas where crops were sown, the growth of crops had been inadequate.
Chamba has experienced only 140.3 mm of rainfall against a normal of 224.7 mm — a rain deficit of 38 per cent in July this year. A weak monsoon has led to a 30 per cent rain deficit across Himachal Pradesh.
The Meteorological Department has issued rainfall warning in the district over the next week with a yellow alert for heavy rains and thunderstorms issued for isolated places in the high and mid-hills.
Source Link : https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/chamba-farmers-rejoice-as-rain-revives-maize-crop-642677#
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