PADDY AND VEGETBLE CROPS AFFECTED DUE TO ‘ARNAB’

PADDY AND VEGETBLE CROPS AFFECTED DUE TO ‘ARNAB’

31-OCT-ENG 12

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA----------------------------Under the influence of cyclonic storm ‘Arnab’, several blocks in Bhojpur district—including Bihiya and Shahpur—have been experiencing continuous rain for the past three days. The combination of intermittent heavy downpours and cold winds has led to a significant drop in temperature. The persistent rain has disrupted daily life and heightened concerns among farmers.

Many roads in both rural and urban areas have turned muddy due to the rain, and water has begun to accumulate in the fields. Footfall in markets and on the streets has decreased significantly compared to normal days; people are venturing out only when absolutely necessary.

The hustle and bustle of the Bihiya market has also been affected by the incessant rain. People can be seen moving about with umbrellas, and most prefer to stay indoors to avoid the rain and cold winds.

There has also been a noticeable decline in the number of passengers at the Bihiya railway station. In the markets, shopkeepers are left waiting for customers, as fewer people from rural areas are traveling to the market due to the weather.

The rain and strong winds have caused the standing paddy crop to flatten (lodge) in the fields, deepening the concerns of farmers. In the Bihiya block, paddy is cultivated across approximately 6,375 hectares; if the rain continues, farmers could face substantial losses.

In many areas, water has become logged in the fields. The combination of water accumulation and strong winds has increased the risk of the mature crops collapsing. If the rainy spell continues, both the quality and yield of the paddy crop could be adversely affected.

Farmers state that they suffered significant losses last year due to rain during the paddy harvest. This year, too, the onset of rain before the harvest has created a similar situation for them.

Farmers fear that if the weather does not clear up soon, it will be difficult to harvest and secure the crops that have fallen in the fields. There is also a risk of the crops rotting due to water stagnation in the fields.

The impact of the cyclonic storm has also increased the difficulties for vegetable farmers. In Kateya village, there is a looming threat of crop damage due to water accumulation in spinach fields.

Meanwhile, in the Osain and Ganj areas, the rain is having an adverse effect on the ready-to-harvest paddy crop. Furthermore, there is a risk that the roots of bottle gourd plants may rot due to waterlogging. It is also expected that the yield could be impacted as the excess moisture may cause the bottle gourd blossoms to fall off.

The impact of the persistent rain is not limited to Kharif crops alone; preparations for the sowing of potatoes, chickpeas, peas, and mustard—typically carried out in October and November—could also be affected.

According to the farmers, excessive moisture and waterlogging in the fields will make it difficult to sow Rabi crops on time. If the water is not drained from the fields soon, sowing could be delayed, which may, in turn, affect the yield.

For now, the farmers are keeping a close watch on the weather. They are waiting for the rain to stop and the sun to come out so that the accumulated water can drain away and the harvesting of the mature crops can begin.

At the request of the farmers, former MLA Bhai Dinesh has urged the administration and the Agriculture Department to inspect the affected areas, assess the damage, and provide the necessary assistance. It belongs to G.