Delay in monsoon leaves Jharkhand farmers hopeless

Mail News Service

Ranchi, June 17: The farmers of Jharkhand state are facing a bleak situation as the much-needed monsoon rains continue to be delayed. Agriculture, being the backbone of the country’s economy, has a significant impact on the livelihoods of the population, with approximately 80% depending on monsoon rains for the irrigation of their agricultural fields. The prolonged delay in rainfall has left the farming community in despair, as it hampers the preparation of saplings for rice paddies and jeopardizes crop production.

Farmers, particularly in the Dhurwa Area of Ranchi, have expressed their concerns regarding the absence of pre-monsoon showers. The arid conditions have parched and dried up the fields, making it impossible to plow without adequate moisture. The delay in rains not only affects the cultivation of crops and grains but also disrupts the entire schedule for Kharif crops. This marks the second consecutive year of delayed monsoon rains, following a severe drought situation experienced by the state last year.

The rising temperatures due to climate change exacerbate the challenges faced by farmers. Suraj Kumar, a farmer, expressed his worries, stating, “Continuously rising temperatures will burn all the crops before they reach maturity.” The adverse impact of the delayed monsoon extends beyond crop production. A milkman with 56 cows in Khattal highlighted the difficulties in purchasing fodder for his cattle. The shortage of crop production from the previous year’s drought has caused fodder prices to skyrocket, further burdening farmers. The Meteorological Department reports that Godda District in Jharkhand recorded a scorching maximum temperature of 45.2 degrees Celsius. Such extreme heat intensifies the agricultural crisis, posing significant challenges to the farmers and the state’s economy.