Insufficient rainfall affects agriculture in Koraput Home

"The Koraput district has received only 32 per cent rainfall in July and 1.25 per cent in the first week of August. If there is no immediate rain in next few days the situation may turn alarming," Deputy Director of Agriculture (Jeypore), Kalidas Biswas said.

Officials said while the rainfall in July was expected to be 375.6 mm the district received only 122.91 mm rainfall. Similarly, for August the rainfall target is 393.06 mm.

"We have targeted to cover 99.267 hectare with paddy this Kharif season. But till now we have managed to cover only 62,991 hectare and the rest are lying vacant with no or scanty rainfall. Also, 25 per cent of the total area covered are in virtually dry situation for less rainfall," Biswas said.

"The present situation is not very encouraging. The area is witnessing long dry spells and it is already a drought-like situation here," said Gopi Hantal of Dalaiput village under Koraput block. The agriculture department has prepared a contingency plan for the farmers in case there is no increase in rainfall in the district, officials said.

Source: http://www.business-standard.com/