Severe Rainfall Deficit Hits Nalbari District, Affecting Agriculture and Fisheries

Nalbari Faces Significant Rainfall Shortage

Nalbari, July 25:  The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported a significant shortfall in rainfall for Nalbari district this year.

From June 1 to July 18, the district experienced a staggering 76% decrease in rainfall. While the average expected rainfall for this period was 801.6 mm, only 193.6 mm was recorded, according to local officials.

This lack of rainfall has adversely affected local farmers and those in the fishery industry. Water levels in ponds are dropping, and fields designated for sali paddy are drying up.

Since May, the district has been experiencing an unusual decline in precipitation. The Mukalmua center noted that only 388.7 mm of rain fell in May, with a dry spell lasting 14 days.

In June, the Mukalmua area recorded just 575.95 mm of rainfall, with another 17 days without rain. By July 21, the total rainfall reached only 684.11 mm, with precipitation occurring on just five days this month.

The prolonged drought-like conditions have severely impacted agricultural lands, with official reports indicating that 448 villages in the district are suffering from these adverse conditions.

Farmers have managed to cultivate paddy on 26,113 hectares of land, but approximately 11,989 hectares of crops have already been lost due to the ongoing drought.