Yavatmal: Thousands of hectares of cotton, soyabean and pigeon pea crops in Yavatmal district are facing a serious threat due to a significant deficit in rainfall this year compared to the previous season. The prolonged dry spell has severely affected rain-fed agriculture, raising concerns among farmers about a possible decline in crop yields.Zari-Jamni taluka has been particularly affected by the inadequate rainfall. The tribal-dominated taluka depends heavily on agriculture for livelihood. Around 38,682 hectares of cotton, soyabean and pigeon pea crops in the taluka are at risk of severe damage. The taluka has received around 30%-35% below-normal rainfall this year.Last year, Zari-Jamni taluka recorded 628mm of rainfall till August. This year, 421mm of rainfall was recorded in the corresponding period. Several water reservoirs in the taluka are yet to reach full capacity, adding to farmers’ concerns.A similar situation prevails in Digras taluka. While several parts of the state have received heavy rainfall, resulting in rivers, lakes and dams filling up, Digras has received below-normal rainfall.The taluka received some rainfall during June and July, but August passed almost completely dry. Due to the prolonged dry spell, pest attacks have increased in cotton, soyabean and pigeon pea crops, further threatening agricultural production.Around 8.5 lakh hectares of land in Yavatmal district is under kharif cultivation this season. This includes nearly 5 lakh hectares of cotton, 2.50 lakh hectares of soyabean and 1.55 lakh hectares of pigeon pea.Farmer Anup Chavan said that his family owns around 50 acres of farmland and that cotton and soyabean were cultivated on most of the land. “Nearly a month has passed without rainfall. The soybean crop has already been severely affected. Cotton crops have also suffered. Adding to the woes, frequent power outages make it difficult to supply water to the fields,” he said.Pramod Yadgirwar, associate director of Zonal Agriculture Research Station, Yavatmal, said the prevailing weather conditions have led to a significant increase in pest infestation in cotton and soyabean crops.“Soybean crops in Arni, Pandharkawada and Zari-Jamni talukas have been attacked by caterpillar pests. Farmers will have to take appropriate preventive measures in time. Otherwise, pest infestation could increase beyond manageable levels,” he said.
