Cyclone Arnabs Rainfall Disrupts Farming in Bihar, Damaging Rice and Vegetable Crops
Cyclone Arnabs heavy rains have severely impacted farmers in Bihar, causing damage to rice and vegetable crops across the region.
Patna, October 31 (Daily Kiran) : The impact of Cyclone Arnab has intensified the challenges faced by farmers in Bihar. Heavy rainfall, accompanied by strong winds, has led to significant damage to standing rice crops and vegetables across various areas. Farmers report that the unseasonal rains have jeopardized their hard work, with agricultural scientists also raising concerns about potential crop losses.
In Patna district, rice crops have suffered particularly severe setbacks. Experts indicate that the combination of high winds and rain has caused rice plants to bow, increasing the risk of grain shedding and spoilage. Late-maturing rice varieties are expected to be the most affected. Moreover, farmers who had already begun harvesting are now struggling due to water accumulation in their fields, complicating the collection of fallen crops.
The challenge of drying and preserving the rice has also escalated. The standing water threatens to diminish the quality of the harvest, with wet grains potentially turning black and fetching lower prices in the market. Agricultural specialists note that while rain during the Hathiya constellation is generally beneficial for rice, the adverse conditions during the Swati constellation, when rice grains begin to mature, can be detrimental.
As the grains fill the ears, the plants become heavier and are more susceptible to falling during storms. Additionally, vegetable farming in rural Patna has been adversely affected. Regions such as Khusrupur and Danrhua have reported damage to crops like cauliflower, tomatoes, chilies, and pumpkins. The excess water is also likely to impact potato and mustard crops, while banana trees bearing fruit have toppled, resulting in further losses for farmers. The rains may also delay the ripening of bananas.
Bihar predominantly cultivates long-duration rice varieties, which are currently in the grain-filling and ripening stages. The combination of strong winds and rain raises concerns about overall production. Agricultural experts warn that the rainfall may also affect upcoming Rabi crops. The moisture and flooding in fields could delay the sowing of pulses, oilseeds, and other Rabi crops. Farmers are now focused on draining water from their fields and safeguarding the remaining crops.
