Threat of drought-like situation in Garhwal

Ajay Ramola

Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, November 24

The prolonged dry spell has begun to affect sowing patterns of winter crops, namely mustard, masoor, wheat and commercial fruits such as apple etc. The threat of near drought-like conditions is looming large, leaving farmers of the Garhwal region a worried lot.

More than 74,000 hectares of agricultural land in nine hill districts of Uttarakhand, which produces half of state’s crop yield, will be affected due to lack of irrigation of fields this season.

Sobat Singh Chauhan, a farmer from Bhanswadi village, near Bhawan, in Tehri Garhwal district, says the region could face severe drought-like conditions if it does not rain in the next 10 to 15 days. It has not rained since the end of monsoons and crops such as wheat and mustard that require some moisture are awaiting sowing, adds Sobat Singh.

Farmers in the apple belt of Dhanaulti in Uttarkashi district are also a worried lot due to no rain, as the moisture in the air helps in chilling of apple trees, helping in generating high yields in the fruiting season.

Social activist Sameer Shukla says if the conditions do not improve the region is sure to face a drought-like situation in the next 10 to 15 days. The government should wake up to the possibility of a drought-like situation and plan relief measures in advance. He adds a prolonged dry season is becoming an annual feature due to climate change in hilly districts and hence the state Agriculture Department should try to educate farmers on growing crops that require less water.

A district plan of Rs 729 crore has been submitted to the government under which the projects such as rainwater harvesting, rejuvenation of chal and khals, micro irrigation canal and several irrigation projects will be initiated once funds reach the district.