Maharashtra usually gets a normal amount of rain during the monsoon season, but this year, things are different! From June to September 2023, the state got 143% more rain than usual. This is the highest amount of rain seen since 2019. Most of the districts, 31 out of 36, had more rain than expected. This extra rain has helped farmers grow important crops like cotton, sugarcane, and pulses.
The Indian Meteorological Department says that the Vidarbha and Marathwada regions received very heavy rainfall, with 167% and 158% more than normal, respectively. Because of this, the big reservoirs in the state are now filled up to 92% of their total capacity. This is much better than the average of 78% over the past five years.
This extra rain is good news for farmers! Experts say that crop yields are expected to increase by 27% this harvest season. Areas that rely on rain for farming are doing especially well, with soil moisture levels 42% higher than usual. The government also noticed that more land was cultivated this year, with a 31% increase compared to last year.
However, not everything is perfect. The Maharashtra State Disaster Management Authority reported flooding in 127 villages, which affected around 23,000 hectares of farmland. To help with this, the government is improving drainage systems and making emergency plans.
Looking ahead, weather experts think that this above-normal rainfall might continue into the winter months. They predict a 68% chance of more rain from October 2023 to January 2024. Farmers should plan for this, especially for growing wheat and winter pulses. The agricultural department has raised its crop production targets by 18%, expecting good farming conditions to continue.
While the heavy rains affect various sectors, Pune’s educational institutions continue to operate with necessary precautions and adaptations to ensure student safety.
