Increased rainfall rules out drought fear
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 04 2013: Even though people, particularly farmers were apprehensive about the possibility of drought as precipitation rate during the month of June did not reach even half the volume required for paddy cultivation, enhanced rainfall during the last couple of days has allayed the same fear.

Officials of Agriculture Department told The Sangai Express that precipitation level during the month of June was quite low and there was not enough water in the fields for paddy cultivation.

Precipitation rate required for paddy cultivation during kharif season is 280 mm but the rainfall rate during last month was just 95 mm.

This rainfall rate was calculated based on the reports given by Rain Gauges and Tipping Buckets installed at Imphal West, Bishnupur and Chandel.

Rain Gauges and Tipping Buckets

Because of the topographical condition of Manipur, annual district-wise rainfall rates are different.

As such, Rain Gauges and Tipping Buckets need to be installed at different places across the length and breadth of the State so that the resultant data calculated from the collective inputs is more accurate, said the officials.

Rainfall rate calculated from the reports given by the Rain Gauges and Tipping Buckets installed at Chandel, Bishnupur and Imphal West for the month of June was low.

As such, Agriculture Department is suspicious about the accuracy of data given by them.

With the fear for drought gaining more and more ground, Agriculture Department sent its officials for field survey under District Agriculture Officers.

The DAOs have also been directed to submit their survey reports.

Meanwhile, the Agriculture Director has convened a meeting with district level officers on July 6.The meeting would deliberate on survey reports tabled by District Agriculture Officers.

According to Agriculture Department's earlier assessment, paddy cultivation for Kharif season can be done up to July 15.Cultivation of paddy later than July 15 would render paddy plants incapable of bearing flowers.

Nevertheless, paddy cultivation can be done up to August 15 nowadays on account of the rising temperature across the planet, added the officials.