Severe August Rainfall Shortage, Gujarat Farmers to Receive Additional 2 Hours of Electricity for Irrigation

Gujarat, known for its diverse agricultural landscape, is currently facing one of its most significant challenges in recent history: a rainfall deficit of 90 per cent in August, marking the highest such deficit in the past 15 years. This unprecedented meteorological phenomenon has resulted in widespread concerns for the state's agricultural sector. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), ten districts, including previously water-rich areas like Narmada, Panchmahal, Dang, and Tapi, are reeling under a rainfall deficit of over 20 per cent.

Responding to the crisis, the state government has undertaken several measures to support its farmers. Initially introduced in 14 districts, the government's decision to provide an additional two hours of electricity to farmers on August 29 was later extended to cover all districts. This measure is set to increase to ten hours of power supply from September 2 to 5, aimed at assisting farmers in safeguarding their standing Kharif crops.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the government also announced the release of water from dams with over 80 per cent stock. This initiative seeks to rescue the Kharif crops that were sown at the onset of August, which have been threatened due to the cumulative impact of the August rainfall deficit.

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The deficit in August has led to nearly 30 per cent of Gujarat's districts, a total of 10 out of 33, experiencing a substantial dip in the Southwest monsoon season. These districts have faced a rain shortfall of 20 per cent or more compared to their usual rainfall patterns.

Among the severely affected districts, Dahod, Gandhinagar, and Narmada have witnessed the most pronounced deficits at -43 per cent, -42 per cent, and -35 per cent respectively. The other districts grappling with rainfall shortages include Vadodara (-33 per cent), Panchmahal (-27 per cent), Dang (-26 percent), Ahmedabad (-25 percent), Aravalli (-24 per cent), Mehsana (-23 percent), and Tapi (-21 percent).

According to IMD Regional Director Manorana Mohanty, it is accurate to state that this August has been one of the driest months in the past 13 to 14 years. The rainfall deficiency of 90 percent in Gujarat during August this year is the most substantial observed against the usual precipitation levels. This marks the lowest point since 2015, when the deficit was at 87 percent.

Despite the shortfall in August, Gujarat has received a cumulative rainfall of 673 mm between June 1 and August 31, surpassing the normal average of 595 mm. This is attributed to the 55 per cent excess rainfall experienced in Saurashtra and Kutch, offsetting the 15 per cent deficit observed in other parts of the state.

As the India Meteorological Department predicts a lack of rainfall for the next five to seven days, farmers in Gujarat face an increasingly challenging situation. However, there is hope on the horizon, with expectations of rain returning to South Gujarat after the one-week dry spell.

The state's commitment to supporting its agricultural community is evident in its efforts to provide extended electricity hours and release water from dams. These measures are crucial in protecting the Kharif crops, including paddy, cotton, and groundnut, which have been sown across thousands of hectares.

Gujarat's farmers, who play a vital role in the state's economy, are resiliently confronting the odds brought about by the erratic monsoon. The state government's actions underscore the collaborative efforts needed to navigate and mitigate the challenges posed by unprecedented weather patterns.

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