Prolonged dry spell hits rabi sowing

Farmers in the lower Kangra region, including Nurpur, Jawali, Indora and Fatehpur, are grappling with a prolonged dry spell that has delayed rabi sowing and impacted citrus crops like orange, kinnow, lemon and galgal. Despite ploughing and preparing their fields, farmers are unable to sow due to a lack of rainfall and soil moisture.

Traditionally, wheat sowing begins in early November, but the ongoing drought has left fields barren. With most agricultural land in the region dependent on rainwater, the delay in winter rainfall has worsened the situation. Experts warn that further delays could significantly reduce rabi crop yields.

Rabi sowing typically starts in mid-October, but even by mid-November, fields remain unsown. Official data reveals that 92,000 hectares in Kangra district are dedicated to wheat cultivation, including 9,850 hectares in lower Kangra. Farmers like Uttam Singh and Subhash Singh from Kopra village express their frustration, having harvested maize a month ago and prepared fields, only to wait in vain for rain. Similarly, Ranjit Singh of Kherian and Ragubir Singh of Bhol Thakran lament the dependence on rain, fearing total crop failure if the dry spell persists.

The citrus fruit crop, a significant cash source, has also suffered. Without rainfall, fruits remain undersized and poorly shaped. Agriculture experts caution that delayed rainfall will not only disrupt sowing but also lead to lower farm produce and financial losses for growers.

The ongoing drought underscores the vulnerability of rainfed agriculture and the urgent need for sustainable water management solutions to mitigate such challenges.