Poor rainfall: Farmers not to take up paddy cultivation this season

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Follow us:WhatsappFacebookTwitterTelegram.cls-1{fill:#4d4d4d;}.cls-2{fill:#fff;}Google NewsIn the wake of deficit rainfall this monsoon, paddy farmers in Wayanad are a worried lot as the water level in the district has gone down considerably.The figures by the Indian Meteorological Department for the week ended on August 10 put the deficiency in rainfall at 59 per cent, making the district the worst-hit in the state.More than two and a half months into monsoon, the rainfall continues to be significantly deficient in the district which normally records an average rainfall of 2,322 mm. Many of the farmers have decided not to take up paddy cultivation this season. Though many have purchased seeds, they chose not to prepare seedlings mainly due to the failed monsoons. “The cost of paddy cultivation is increasing and it is very difficult to get workers as well,” said Baby Thomas, a paddy farmer from Arattuthara in the Mananthavadi panchayat.“Normally, we complete the preparation of ground to plant paddy seedlings in the month of Karkidakam. But this year, owing to the suspended rainfall and non-availability of workers, the entire process has been delayed. This would affect the production,” he added.“Owing to the lack of rainfall, crops will face an increased risk of pest attack which also will have an adverse affect on the paddy production,” said an official in the District Agriculture Department, adding that farmers would have to spend more on insecticides which would further reduce their profit margins.first published:August 20, 2012, 12:32 ISTlast updated:August 20, 2012, 12:32 IST
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In the wake of deficit rainfall this monsoon, paddy farmers in Wayanad are a worried lot as the water level in the district has gone down considerably.

The figures by the Indian Meteorological Department for the week ended on August 10 put the deficiency in rainfall at 59 per cent, making the district the worst-hit in the state.

More than two and a half months into monsoon, the rainfall continues to be significantly deficient in the district which normally records an average rainfall of 2,322 mm. Many of the farmers have decided not to take up paddy cultivation this season. Though many have purchased seeds, they chose not to prepare seedlings mainly due to the failed monsoons. “The cost of paddy cultivation is increasing and it is very difficult to get workers as well,” said Baby Thomas, a paddy farmer from Arattuthara in the Mananthavadi panchayat.

“Normally, we complete the preparation of ground to plant paddy seedlings in the month of Karkidakam. But this year, owing to the suspended rainfall and non-availability of workers, the entire process has been delayed. This would affect the production,” he added.

“Owing to the lack of rainfall, crops will face an increased risk of pest attack which also will have an adverse affect on the paddy production,” said an official in the District Agriculture Department, adding that farmers would have to spend more on insecticides which would further reduce their profit margins.