Cotton, Maize and Soybean Crops Face Threat as Erratic Rainfall Distresses Pachora Farmers
By jayesh chouhan 2026-07-16 16:50:25
Cotton, Maize, and Soybean Crops at Risk in Pachora; Farmers Distressed by Erratic Rainfall
Pachora (Maharashtra), July 16: Cotton, maize, and soybean crops in the Pachora taluka of Maharashtra's Jalgaon district are being affected by erratic rainfall. Farmers are increasingly concerned due to a prolonged dry spell following the initial rains at the onset of the *Mrig Nakshatra*. There are fears of stunted crop growth and a significant decline in yields.
Cotton is the primary cash crop in Pachora taluka. Many farmers had sown cotton between mid-May and early June with high hopes. However, the long gap in rainfall following the initial showers has hampered crop growth. Apart from cotton, maize and soybean crops are also suffering due to the lack of rain.
The average annual rainfall in the taluka is 743.47 millimeters. Last year, the region recorded approximately 125% of the normal rainfall. In contrast, only 161.6 millimeters of rain has been recorded up to the beginning of July this year. Due to the scanty rainfall, rivers and canals in the taluka have not yet received adequate water.
The shortage of water in local sources has directly impacted irrigation. Many wells have dried up. Despite having drip irrigation facilities in their fields, farmers are unable to provide sufficient water to the cotton crop because the wells lack water. The lack of rain has caused the grass on farm bunds to dry up, and many crops are on the verge of withering.
However, rainfall in some areas has brought some relief to farmers and accelerated agricultural activities. Farmers are busy with tasks such as weeding, applying chemical fertilizers, and spraying pesticides.
These activities are also providing employment to farm laborers in rural areas. Currently, female laborers are earning around ₹300 for a shift from 8 AM to 1 PM, while male laborers are receiving approximately ₹500 per day in wages. Farmers say that if there is no adequate and regular rainfall in the coming days, cotton, maize, and soybean crops could be severely affected.
