Despite receiving 30.6 per cent less rainfall than normal, Nagpur division is expected to record a normal kharif yield this season, with timely showers during the critical pod formation/pod-filling stage and adoption of moisture-conservation practices helping crops withstand the impact of the harsh El Nino conditions.

 

According to the Agriculture Department’s rainfall data, Nagpur division received 744.4 mm rainfall against the June-September normal of 1,072.5 mm up to September 19, accounting for 69.4 per cent of normal rainfall and a deficit of 30.6 per cent. Umesh Ghatge, Joint Director, Agriculture, Nagpur Division, while interacting with ‘The Hitavada’ said the rainfall deficit did not translate into proportionate crop damage because the division largely received rain in intervals rather than experiencing prolonged dry spells during crucial crop-growth stages. “Rainfall did come in gaps, but we did not face the prolonged dry spell seen in Amravati and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar divisions. The rain received during the pod-forming stage proved to be a lifesaver for the crop,” Ghatge said.

 

He added that the Broad Bed and Furrow (BBF) and Ridge and Furrow systems recommended by the Agriculture Department had also helped farmers conserve moisture in the soil. These are established moisture-management methods for soybean, with Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) recommending BBF or Ridge and Furrow planting to mitigate the effects of drought and excess rainfall. Ghatge also said, “Soybean and other major kharif crops are expected to give normal yields in the division despite the adverse weather conditions. In soybean, flowering and pod formation are among the critical stages when moisture stress can affect yield.” The contrast with districts like Akola in Amravati division is sharper, where rain-dependent soybean has reportedly faced prolonged moisture stress resulting in drying up of soybean crops. 

 

 

Within the division, however, the rainfall situation in Nagpur district was considerably poorer. The district received 556.5 mm against its normal 920.4 mm up to September 19, recording only 60.5 per cent of normal rainfall and a deficit of 39.5 per cent. The taluka-wise figures show substantial variation. Kuhi recorded the highest June-September rainfall deficit at 49.5 per cent, receiving just 478.7 mm against its normal 947.7 mm. Ramtek recorded the lowest deficit at 31.1 per cent, with 677.8 mm against its normal 984 mm. Other major deficits included Nagpur Rural at 46.9 per cent, with 514.2 mm against 968.1 mm, and Nagpur City at 41.7 per cent, with 555.1 mm against 951.4 mm. Parseoni recorded a 32.6 per cent deficit, while Kalmeshwar had a 34 per cent deficit.