Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 2: Already reeling under huge rainfall deficit, the people of the Jammu region are unlikely to get immediate respite from the continuous dry spell as satellite pictures don’t indicate arrival of the Western Disturbance at least during next 5-6 days. The massive shortfall in rainfall has become a cause of worry for the farming community as wheat crop has been sown on only 26% of the area till date.
According to Sonam Lotus, Director, Indian Meteorological Department, Srinagar, the weather will remain dry across the Jammu region during the next 5-6 days and night temperature will dip further. “The satellite pictures don’t indicate immediate arrival of the Western Disturbance and the people of the region will have to wait for the showers”, he added.
“Unlike last year, the month of November this year witnessed huge deficit in the rainfall. The weather will remain cloudy during the next few days but will not provide respite from the continuous dry spell”, he further said.
Dr M K Khushu, Chief Scientist Agronomy Division of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), Jammu was also of the similar views. “There are no indications of immediate rainfall”, he said, adding “in the month of October this year there was 63.4% below normal rainfall in the Jammu region while as 99% below normal rainfall was recorded in November”.
From October 1 till date, there is 97% below normal rainfall in Doda district, 95% in Jammu district, 69% in Kathua, 38% in Poonch, 53% in Rajouri, 87% in Ramban, 97% in Reasi, 79% in Samba and 58% below normal rainfall in Udhampur district, Dr Khushu said, adding because of huge deficit in rainfall the night temperature from last week of October is remaining below normal.
Responding to a question, the Chief Scientist Agronomy Division of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology said that rainfall deficit has left huge impact on the sowing of wheat crop. “Till November 29, only 25% area could be covered as far as sowing of wheat is concerned. However, the situation vis-à-vis pulses, oil-seed, vegetables and fodder is not much worrisome”, he added.
As far as pulses are concerned, 60% area has been covered while as 76% area covered in respect of oilseed, 81% in case of vegetables and 86% in case of fodder. “Sufficient rainfall is necessary for sowing of wheat crop particularly in the raid-fed areas and huge deficit in rainfall is really a matter of concern for the farmers”, Dr Khushu said.
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