Bihar has recently experienced two consecutive years -2012 and 2013 of below normal rain. In 2012 the country as a whole had below normal rain at 93% of the LPA (Lon Period Average), with Bihar facing a deficit of 21%. And the scenario in 2013 was even worse. While the country observed a surplus of 106% of the LPA, the state experienced a mammoth deficit of 30% during the year.
The situation has now spilled over to the current year (2014). The beginning of the Monsoon season was very bad for Bihar with rainfall deficit recording 32%. July saw some recovery but the deficit was still large at 23% against the national cumulative deficit of 10% for the month.
The deficit has been rising by 1% every two days in August and had touched 29% on 11th August. However, it has reduced marginally to settle at 28% now.
Current Weather Situation
The Monsoon trough is shifting close to the foothills with an embedded low level cyclonic circulation over Bihar and east Uttar Pradesh. It is going to result in moderate to good showers, heavy in pockets for the next 72 hours.
While this spell of rain may narrow down the deficit in the state, the increase in rain over Nepal, foothills of Bihar and catchment areas can potentially cause flood-like situation in Bihar.
Agriculture Hit Hard
Deficit rain in June and July has already caused immense loss to farmers who are highly dependent on Monsoon rain for the sowing of Paddy crop. Lack of rain at the time of sowing will affect the quality of crop. Looking at the situation many farmers decided against sowing and left their lands barren so that they do not incur any loss. In fact the total sown area is also likely to fall.
And now with some good rain in the offing, the farmers are again on the receiving end. This is the time when there is not much need of rain and any waterlogging in the fields will destroy or hamper the crops. And with flood-like situation looming large the scenario does not look any better for the farmers of Bihar.
