Agri Officials: Rainfall Deficit Threatens Paddy Cultivation in District

The delay in rainfall during the initial three weeks of June has resulted in a setback for paddy plantations in Pune. This has raised concerns among farmers regarding potential substantial losses.

The planting process of paddy saplings, which is the primary kharif crop, has been severely hindered in tehsils such as Bhor, Velhe, Maval, Mulshi, Junnar, as well as the western regions of Khed and Ambegaon within the district.

Sanjay Kachole, the district agriculture officer, expressed his worries, stating, "This situation is quite worrisome. Farmers are unable to sow the seeds in the absence of sufficient moisture in the fields. We have advised farmers to postpone the sowing process for now. Generating saplings usually takes around 15-20 days."

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He further explained, " In the event of rainfall occurring during the last week of June, farmers will subsequently initiate the cultivation of seedlings and commence the planting process specifically in the second week of July. This poses an issue as we advise farmers to complete the entire plantation process by July 31st." 

Sachin Parge, a paddy grower from Mava, highlighted the significance of paddy cultivation by stating, "Since we are unable to grow any other crop in different seasons due to water scarcity, we rely on paddy cultivation. Over the past three years, we have witnessed lucrative returns in the market. Indrayani rice, in particular, is in high demand in the city." 

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Digambar Bhalchim, a resident of Mail, Ambegaon, emphasized the importance of paddy as an annual crop and expressed concerns about the significant impact of the poor harvest on their planning.

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