Bhubaneswar: Even as floods created havoc in several parts of the State, the deficit rainfall in July in six districts has affected agricultural activities leaving the farmers worried.
As many as six districts - Nuapada, Kandhamal, Bolangir, Dhenkanal, Angul and Bargarh - had received 30% and 54% deficit rainfall during the month, an official of the Special Relief Commissioner's (SRC) office said.
Among the affected districts, Nuapada received the lowest rainfall with a deficit of 54%, while Kandhamal district registered a deficit rainfall of 39%, Bolangir 38%, Dhenkanal 33%, Angul 32% and Bargarh 30% deficit rainfall during July, sources added.
Earlier, the Met department had predicted sufficient rainfall in the season. However, the amount of rainfall halved during June, leading to serious drought-like conditions.
“Generally, we sow seeds in June after monsoon showers and both transplantation and intercultural operations are undertaken in July. With insufficient rainfall last month, our farm lands have gone dry,” said a distressed farmer.