Divya Modi
Ranchi
After a spell of heavy showers in Jharkhand earlier this week triggered by a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal, rainfall activity has eased over the past few days, with humid and largely dry conditions along with scattered rain. The Meteorological Centre, Ranchi has, however, indicated the possibility of heavy showers at isolated places from August 23, with thunderstorms, lightning and gusty winds also likely at several locations.
As per experts at the Birsa Agriculture University, Ranchi, the rainfall witnessed in the months of July and August in Ranchi and its surrounding areas has been a boon especially for paddy fields but incessant rain could be harmful for crops including arhar or maize and other vegetables.
“The rain deficit was mostly seen in June but there has been good amount of rainfall in July and August which is good for paddy cultivation. Since there are mostly paddy fields in Jharkhand, rain during these months is beneficial for the crop. However, sudden spells of continuous rain lasting for about two to three days which is caused by either a low pressure system or a depression is harmful for vegetables and other crops which require less water. Too much rain or even stagnant water is also not required for creepers or vine vegetables as they tend to rot and in some cases the seeds may not germinate. If there is excess water in maize, arhar and other crops, farmers are advised to make proper systems for the water to drain off,” said Dr Pragyan Kumari, Associate Professor, Department of Agriculture Meteorology, BAU, Ranchi.
As per the data released by the Met Centre, Ranchi from June 1 to August 22, Jharkhand has received a total of 638.7 mm of rainfall while the required amount stands at 730.5 mm and the State has currently recorded 13 percent less rainfall than normal.
Out of the 24 districts, West Singhbhum is the only one to have recorded above normal rain which stands at 41 percent. The total rainfall here for the specified time period has been recorded at 1037.3 mm as against the required average of 736.5 mm. The State capital has received a total 771.3 mm of rain as against the required amount of 748 mm and falls in the normal category.
On the other hand, Pakur has witnessed the least rain this season with the district receiving only 372.2 mm of rain while the required amount is 819.6 mm and the deficit stands at 55 percent.
As per the bulletin released by the MET Centre Ranchi on August 22, isolated places in the State may witness thunderstorm, lightning and strong winds with a speed of 30 to 40 km per hour from August 23 August 26. The northwestern parts including Palamu, Garhwa and Chatra and the southwestern parts including Gulma, Simdega and West Singhbhum may experience heavy showers on August 23.
On August 24, heavy rain is predicted for isolated areas of Palamu, Garhwa, Latehar and Chatra in northwest Jharkhand as well as adjoining central parts like Hazaribagh.
