Cotton Crop Affected by Lack of Rain in Maharashtra; Significant Drop in Yield Expected
Reports indicate that the cotton crop in several cotton-growing regions of Maharashtra—specifically in Marathwada and Vidarbha—has been adversely affected by a lack of rainfall and high temperatures. Insufficient soil moisture has hindered the growth of cotton plants. In many areas, there are reports of cotton bolls bursting prematurely. Consequently, farmers fear a decline in production and significant financial losses.
Crop Growth Stunted by Lack of Rainfall
According to available information, some cotton-growing regions did not receive adequate rainfall for an extended period during August and September. This led to a depletion of soil moisture, which impaired the development of cotton bolls. Amidst high temperatures in October, there are reports that cotton harvesting has begun earlier than usual in some areas.
Farmers state that the lack of water has caused cotton plants in many fields to wither. This raises concerns that the upcoming harvest will result in lower yields.
Significant Decline in Yield Per Acre Expected
Narayan Atole, a farmer from Ambhora Jahagir village in the Mantha taluka of Jalna district (Marathwada), noted that in a typical year, his fields would produce eight to nine quintals of cotton per acre. However, due to the lack of rain this year, the yield is expected to be only two to three quintals per acre.
Meanwhile, farmers in other affected regions have reported a yield of one to one-and-a-half quintals of cotton per acre during the first round of harvesting. It should be noted, however, that the quantity obtained in the first round does not necessarily reflect the total yield for the entire season.
Difficulty in Recovering Cultivation Costs
The prospect of reduced cotton production has heightened the financial concerns of farmers. Having already invested in seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, spraying, and labor, farmers may find it difficult to even recover their cultivation costs, given the lower-than-expected yields. The affected farmers have demanded that the state government conduct a survey of the fields, carry out a proper assessment of crop losses, and provide financial assistance to eligible farmers at the earliest.
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