ML Verma/ Shimla, Nov 23,
Persistent and prolonged dry spells or drought-like conditions have significantly impacted the sowing of wheat, barley, peas, and mustard in the rainfed agricultural areas of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jammu & Kashmir.
According to the Meteorological Department, cumulative rainfall has been almost 95 percent deficient in the region, with only a couple of Western Disturbances expected, which are unlikely to end the predominantly dry weather conditions.
The IMD has forecast rain and snowfall at isolated places in the higher reaches on November 22 and 23; however, these are not expected to have any visible impact on the prevailing dry conditions in the state. While light clouds have been observed, they are not likely to significantly influence the weather in the coming days.
During the winter season, barring two Western Disturbances in early December and at the end of next month, farmers may have to resort to low-water crops and drip irrigation systems. Without sufficient rainfall, water supply schemes and agricultural productivity could suffer immensely.
The forecast of reduced snowfall and rainfall may also negatively impact tourist footfall, and the hospitality industry will need robust mechanisms to cope with the dry weather conditions.
Cold weather is gradually lowering night temperatures, while the ongoing dry spell and poor air quality are posing health threats, particularly for asthmatic patients.
Apple and off-season vegetables, which form the backbone of Himachal Pradesh’s hill economy, are also facing drought-like conditions. Insufficient snowfall and abnormal climatic and temperature variations are expected to have devastating effects in the upcoming season.
Apple growers, who usually begin winter orchard management after the first spell of snowfall and rain, are eagerly awaiting adverse weather conditions to proceed with fertilization, training, and pruning for the upcoming season. The previous season’s poor apple productivity, with less than 2.50 crore boxes produced, already indicated the adverse effects of delayed winter rains. The coming season may face similar challenges due to unfavorable circumstances.
The freezing of water sources in the high mountains due to early winter is also expected to cause a significant decline in power production during the lean season.
Low agricultural productivity, combined with high demand and reduced supply, is expected to continue driving food inflation. This trend was already severe during the last monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. According to the Labour Bureau, the Consumer Price Index in the previous month was the highest in the last three years and is likely to rise further in the final quarter of the financial year due to poor Rabi sowing and high demand.
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