The coming sowing season is unlikely to be an ordinary one for farmers in Mirzapur. The Vindhya region is expected to feel the impact of a Super El Niño this year, a phenomenon that has pushed the chance of rainfall down by as much as 60 percent. For anyone planning to transplant paddy, that means a real risk of running short of water. To guard against it, the agriculture department is now urging farmers to pick crops that need less water — so that neither their yields nor their incomes take a hit.
What Super El Niño Means for the Region
Super El Niño is a climate event capable of flipping the entire pattern of the weather. It is precisely this that has clouded the rainfall outlook for the Vindhya region this season. The altered weather mood will be felt directly in the fields, especially by crops that depend entirely on the monsoon.
The Department's Advice: Skip Paddy for These Crops
Deputy Director of Agriculture Vikesh Singh Patel told TrendKia that rainfall is projected to fall short by 40 to 60 percent this time because of climate change. He said that farmers in areas such as Jamalpur, Rajgarh, Patehra and Halia who intend to grow paddy would be far better off sowing pulses, oilseeds or coarse grains instead — a switch that would bring them a special benefit.
According to him, irrigation is the biggest hurdle in paddy cultivation. If the rains fail, water will not reach the fields and the crop will be left to dry out. Low-water crops, on the other hand, would spare farmers any losses while delivering higher profits.
Subsidy Available on Pulses and Oilseeds
In Mirzapur district, the agriculture department is offering farmers a subsidy on pulses and oilseed crops. Vikesh Singh Patel said that farmers wishing to grow pulses, oilseeds or coarse grains can collect subsidised seeds from the department's warehouse.
Those who need an agricultural seed kit can apply through the department's website. Once an application is shortlisted, the farmer will be provided a mini kit of seeds.
A Key Word of Caution for Farmers
The deputy director appealed to farmers to keep their preparations strong well in advance, since rainfall is set to be scarce. He was clear that water-hungry crops are best avoided this year. Even so, any farmer determined to grow paddy should use seed varieties that mature in 60 days.
