E-Paper
Paucity of rain affects agriculture
ABSENCE OF rain has not only affected the people but also agriculture. According to medical experts, constant rise in temperature has given rise to new species of viruses. The diseases caused by these viruses are also typical in nature and it will take some time to understand them and their treatment as they have surfaced for the first time in the Northern states.
ABSENCE OF rain has not only affected the people but also agriculture. According to medical experts, constant rise in temperature has given rise to new species of viruses. The diseases caused by these viruses are also typical in nature and it will take some time to understand them and their treatment as they have surfaced for the first time in the Northern states.
Similarly, the growing temperature has also created problem for farmers because it is time for sowing the Rabi crop but for want of moisture in the soil and irrigation facilities, the sowing could not done till date in several areas.
The agro-scientists said that excess heat in October would definitely affect crops like paddy, groundnuts and maize. There was no question of sowing of wheat during the Rabi season due to lack of irrigation facilities.
They said temperature in October was 36.5 degree Celsius, which is about 4 degrees more than the preceding years. In 2003 the temperature was 32.5 Celsius, 31.9 in 2003, 31.6 in 2004 and 32 Celsius in 2005. The high temperature was not at all congenial for sowing seeds.
The scientists further said that if the temperature continued for another few days, the possibilities of sowing regular wheat would also be eliminated and the farmers would have to buy seeds of late sowing variety with early maturity to avoid losses.
