Hold Back, Farmers! Maharashtra Govt Advises Against Premature Kharif Sowing
Monsoon’s Arrival a Bit Too Early, Maharashtra Govt Warns Farmers
The Maharashtra government is urging farmers to be patient and hold back on kharif sowing until the monsoon settles in properly. The Agriculture Department issued a warning on Sunday, cautioning against rushing into planting due to the early arrival of the monsoon.
Monsoon Arrives Early, But Don’t Be Fooled!
While the monsoon has made a surprisingly quick appearance, reaching South Konkan on May 25—ten days ahead of schedule—the Agriculture Department is advising farmers not to be swayed by this early start. They predict a slowdown in the monsoon’s progress from May 27 onwards, leading to a significant shift in the state’s weather.
Dry Spell on the Way
According to current forecasts, a dry spell is expected to grip most parts of Maharashtra starting May 27, with temperatures gradually increasing. This dry weather is projected to persist until at least June 5, with Konkan being the exception.
Wait for Adequate Rainfall
The department emphasizes that hasty sowing during this dry period could result in significant losses for farmers. They recommend waiting for the monsoon to fully establish itself and ensure adequate rainfall before planting.
Predictions for the Coming Weeks
Predictions indicate a low likelihood of substantial rainfall in most parts of Maharashtra before June 5. The monsoon’s advancement might even temporarily stall in other regions of the country during this period.
Beware of False News
Despite the recent intense pre-monsoon thunderstorms experienced in many parts of the state, the Agriculture Department urges farmers, especially those relying on rain-fed agriculture, not to prematurely sow or plant based on early rainfall or unverified news. The anticipated dry spell could severely impact crops sown too early.
Lessons from the Past
‘We expect higher rainfall this monsoon. But often farmers rush sowing after a few showers. The trend for the last ten years shows there is an increasing gap between two rain periods. The long dry spell is detrimental for sowing,’ said highly placed sources within the Agriculture Department.
