Dhenkanal: Scanty rainfall in Dhenkanal over the past two months has failed to propel Kharif crop faming activities in the district, during monsoon this year as the seedlings have started dying out due to lack of rains.
“The month of Shravan is about to end soon. By this time sowing, tilling and weeding should have been almost finished. Farmlands are almost dry through Dhenkanal district”, some local farmers lamented.
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If there will be no rain within coming week, it will be disastrous. Such situations could lead to draught here. Agriculture largely complements this industrial district’s economy, the local farmers added.
Worthy to note, Dhenkanal district had recorded less than 30% rainfall by July 15 this year, than usual requirement. Farming activities in Parjang and Odapada blocks have been badly affected.
Dhenkanal agriculture department has targeted paddy cultivation on 95,000 hectare of farmlands. Even as paddy seeds were sown on 50,860 hectares by July 15, it was targeted for 57,000 hectares. Similarly, as against targeted 38,000 hectare of farmlands, sowing has been carried out only on 2,829 hectares, official sources informed.
On the other hand, out of total 880 lift irrigation points in Dhenkanal district, nearly 215 points still remain defunct. The district agriculture department is also in a fix as to how to manage the things.
On being contacted, deputy director of Dhenkanal agriculture department Rajkishore Nayak said, “Monsoon rain is badly needed within maximum a week. As paddy seedlings have already started dying out, our officials are visiting farmlands and discussing with farmers in the district. We have requested the department executive engineer to repair defunct lift irrigation points, immediately”.
PNN
