Ludhiana, July 14
Monsoon in Punjab has generally been good and covered most of parts of the state. This year monsoon arrived nearly 15 days early, but it was well distributed in June. This rain has been beneficial for the transplantation of paddy, and also for sugarcane and horticultural crops. For cotton and some vegetable crops, it has not been so good.
According to Agro-Meteorology Department experts of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) here, normal rainfall for June was 66.4 mm, but June 2008, recorded the highest rainfall of 277.3 mm in 40 years at Ludhiana.
Dr G.S.Bains, head of the department, said in four decades, the above-100 mm rainfall was experienced in nine years, that is in 1970 (144 mm), 1971 (116 mm), 1974 (141 mm), 1977 (112 mm), 1978 (146 mm), 1986 (106 mm), 1991 (152 mm), 1997 (105 mm), 2001 (221 mm) and 2008 (277.3 mm).
“These are all general calculations. We have observed in 40 years, only 15 times rainfall was above normal and 25 times it was below normal (66.4 mm). The lowest rainfall of 21.2 mm was recorded in 1993,” said Dr Bains adding so far, rainfall has been as predicted by IMD, Pune.
The south-west region of Punjab with Malout, Muktsar, Bathinda, Ferozepur areas has witnessed less rain. The north-east and central regions had experienced good monsoon this year, added Dr Bains.
Assistant agro-meteorologist K.K.Gill said the percolating rain water at the lower soil level was a good indication as it wiould help increase the water-table which was depleting in the region at an alarming rate. There has been significant increase (above normal) in relative humidity (RH) levels as well. “The pests and insects also increase in the season and attack certain vegetable crops. Farmers are advised to drain excess water from fields and spray on crops should be done only during clear days,” said Gill.
Dr Bains added that the statistical model and dynamic models adopted by IMD have, in general showed accurate monsoon in Punjab. The predicted long-range forecast of weather (monsoon) seems to be 90 per cent accurate this year, said Dr
Bains.
