Maharashtra agriculture department warns of El Nino impact on rabi crops

The Maharashtra agriculture department has issued an advisory to farmers regarding the potential impact of El Nino on rabi crops. Due to concerns over water scarcity following deficient rainfall, officials are urging farmers to restrict wheat cultivation to areas with assured irrigation.

Nagpur taluka agriculture officer Rama Bankar advised farmers to assess groundwater levels, soil moisture, and available irrigation facilities before finalizing sowing plans. Because wheat requires higher irrigation, the department recommends that farmers with limited water resources consider alternative crops such as gram, safflower, and linseed.

In regions like Dharashiv, farmers are facing significant challenges as many lands remain fallow due to the lack of water. While some farmers are attempting to use sprinklers on limited water supplies from wells or borewells, many are waiting for significant rainfall to restore soil moisture. The weather department has predicted rain for the Vidarbha region, providing some hope for those waiting to begin rabi sowing.