Delayed monsoon affects cotton crops

The monsoon showers have come late for farmers growing cotton, especially in Saurashtra region even as rain lashed various parts of Gujarat in last 24 hours.

Saurashtra accounts for almost one-third of the country’s cotton production but this time, the delayed monsoon has caused havoc. Barring a few coastal areas, majority of the talukas in the region have received late rainfall. The farmers are hoping for more rain to make up for the much delayed monsoon.

Heavy rain in the last two weeks has resulted in increased sowing activity.

The rain deficit in Saurashtra and Kutch has gone down by as much as 24 per cent in the last two weeks. The rainfall deficit now stands at 57 per cent. The water levels in the reservoirs in the Saurashtra regions have gone up by as much as 8 to 10 per cent.

Some farmers have switched to alternative crops like bajra and sesame seeds. Farmers have not only taken loans for crops but are also concerned about the fodder for cattle.
One such affected farmer, Kanabhai Mehr said, “How I will recover the Rs 20,000  loss which I have suffered due to a failed cotton produce.’’

He said he had taken a loan of about a lakh from a local cooperative and now has pegged hopes on monsoon revival to make up for the loss.

However, the next week is  crucial for farmers as they need more rain for ensuring that new crop doesn’t get destroyed.