Near-harvest crops to be affected by low rainfall in TN

New Delhi, Vegetables, sugarcane, maize and others that are nearing harvest in Tamil Nadu could be at the receiving end if rain remains low. The crisis is looming for the region with the monsoon failing second time this year. First, the south-west monsoon played truant and when hopes were pinned on the north-east monsoon, it again disappointed farmers as rains were not up to the expectation in the month of November. Concerns are growing as there is very less chance of required or heavy rain during December also.

Farmers are worried about the impact of the low rainfall on crops. Water level in the lakes has to go up if farmers are to benefit. Without heavy rainfall, this will not happen. The region may receive mediocre or even less rains in the coming days. Though, different parts of the state may receive rain but the cloud intensity in the region is less.

Not only the crops, the prospects for drinking water supply to major urban areas like Coimbatore appear bleak unless rain picks up in the coming days. Day temperatures are already on the upswing and water level in lakes in Coimbatore is falling fast. There is little flow in Bhavani and Noyyal rivers, the lifelines of the region.

Coimbatore and nearby regions have received less rainfall than usual. Average rainfall during the season till November last week was around 19.9 mm while the district received 15.8 mm of rain. The rains which started well in October tapered off in November.