Following unseasonal rain in the state, the Rajasthan government has initiated a survey of crops damaged at various districts across the state. Though preliminary report suggests that there has been extensive damage to wheat and mustard crops in the districts bordering Punjab, state authorities claim that over all, unseasonal rains might prove to be more rewarding than damaging. Over 10 per cent increase in production has been recorded, claim the authorities. Manoj Sharma, Director, Agriculture, stated that damage to crops has been reported from the belts that faced hailstorms. These pockets are located in Alwar, Bikaner, Dholpur, Sawai Madhopur, Kota and Jhalawar districts. This is the wheat belt of the state and has recorded 20-70 mm rainfall in the last two days. “Looking at an over-all picture, the widespread rains will prove to be more beneficial. We can do away with the last round of irrigation in the wheat fields and this would also help in power saving as groundwater is used for irrigation at most places,” Sharma added. The rains have been particularly beneficial to the late-sowing wheat, mustard and barley. Kunji Lal Meena, District Collector of Sriganaganagar said: “The wheat fields of villages on Punjab border have recorded 50 to 90 per cent damage.” He added that the survey of the damage has been initiated after which a compensation package would be announced for the farmers. In Jhalawar, damage to coriander as well as opium crops has also been reported. A survey has been launched in this district too. District Collector of Jhalawar, Vibhav Galriya, said that the tehsil of Manothna has received the heaviest rainfall. “There are about 2,600 opium fields in the area, followed by a large number of coriander fields. These crops are said to be partially damaged. However, rains have helped farmers who were involved in late sowing,” he added. Those most benefited are the farmers who have sown gram as the late winter rains are expected to yield a good crop. Dr Pratap Singh, Director of Research Department, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur, confirmed that the unseasonal rains would be particularly beneficial to gram and wheat fields where irrigation was incomplete.
