6 M'wada districts show rain deficiency in August

Aurangabad: Six districts of Marathwada, apart from Aurangabad and Jalna, have been showing monsoon deficiency in the months of August. The region, as a whole, shows 39% rainfall deficiency in August with the weather forecast for the next few days indicating rainfall deficiency.

The current dry-spell in these parts could affect the growth of standing kharif crops if it gets extended.

As per the official data, Latur district has received 24% of expected showers in August (which is the lowest), followed by Osmanabad (33%), Hingoli (40%), Beed (52%) Parbhani (52%) and Nanded (60%).

While Aurangabad and Jalna have registered 133% and 103% of expected rain in August, respectively, the region as a whole has been showing around 39% monsoon deficit during the current third month of the rainy season. Marathwada as a whole has recorded 120% expected showers since June as compared to 85% showers during the corresponding period last year.

As per the advisory issued by Parbhani-based Vansatrao Naik Marathwada Agricultural University, the region is likely to witness cloudy skies with occasional spells of light to medium rain till August 12.

“The overcast conditions for a longer period may lead to attacks from different pests on major kharif crops, besides causing stress in crops if no irrigation is available. The pest control techniques and stress-management in crops can help farmers to address the issues,” authorities concerned said.