Prolonged dry spell, high day temp worry Chamba farmers

The prolonged dry spell coupled with above normal day temperatures has left the farmers in Chamba worried as no rain in the past over one and half months has delayed the sowing of rabi crops in most parts of the district.

Wheat is the major rabi crop of Chamba region while vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower and off-season green peas are among other crops cultivated in some parts in the rabi season.

As per the Agriculture Department data, wheat cultivation spans approximately 19,000 hectares in Chamba district, with an expected yield of 35-37 metric tonnes per hectare. With dry weather conditions prevailing, like the entire state, Chamba district has also recorded a 100% rainfall deficit in November with no precipitation recorded so far. The October was also largely dry.

MeT forecast

The Shimla centre of the Indian Meteorological Department has forecast the weather to remain dry for next few days, except for some chances of rains in middle, mid and high hills on November 15 and 16.

Staring at huge losses

If it doesn’t rain for few more days, we would face huge losses in terms of the crop yield. — Rajesh Jaryal, a farmer

Deputy Director (Agriculture), Chamba, Dr Kuldeeep Dhiman said the sowing season for wheat was considered between October 15 to November 15. Up till now, some sowing has taken place in irrigated areas. However, Chamba has a very small cultivable land under irrigation. The average irrigated land is only 10 per cent of the total cultivable land. While in low hills it is up to 24%, in other parts not more than 3-4%, said Dhiman.

Rajesh Jaryal, a farmer said last year untimely rains had affected the wheat crop significantly while this year the prolonged dry spell has left them worried. “If it doesn’t rain for few more days, we would face huge losses in terms of the crop yield,” he said.

Though, the normal sowing season is on the verge of end, the wheat can still be sown till December 15, however, with an increase seed rate to cover the losses. Normally, 4 kg seed of wheat should be sown per kanal of land, however, if the sowing is delayed till December 15, the seed rate should be 4.5 kg per kanal and beyond December 15, it should be 5 kg per kanal. However, if it doesn’t rain even in January than there would be considerable yield loss, he said.

Dhiman said in areas where peas have been sown in August/September, the yield may get affected while prolonged dry spell may delay in plantation of vegetables like cauliflower and cabbage affecting the overall yield, he said.

From the city to the villages, the water crisis is worsening, with water sources, springs, wells and rivers seeing a decline in water levels. Some areas are receiving water every two to three days, while duration of water supply in towns like Chamba, Dalhousie, Banikhet and Chowari has also been reduced.

With lower water levels, the Jal Shakti Department authorities are urging residents to avoid using pressure pumps to ensure equal distribution of available water. The department has also warned that connections of those using pressure pumps may be cut off to ensure equitable water supply.