Solan received 31% less than normal rain in June

Ambika Sharma
Tribune News Service
Solan, July 30
The Solan region registered 31 per cent ( 97.6 mm) less rain than normal precipitation of 142.9 mm during June. It received barely 97.6 mm of rainfall last month, as per the data recorded in the agro-meteorological observatory, Department of Environmental Science (DoES), Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni.
This month, the rain deficit increased to 32.5 per cent as only 170.6 mm of precipitation was received in 11 rainy days against the normal of 252.5 mm.
The heat stress index during this month was around 76, indicating that 50 per cent population was not comfortable with the present weather as was also experienced during May and June. “The heat stress conditions during May, June and July are being perceived to reduce the work productivity of farmers in the region. Concrete steps, therefore, need to be taken without delay to save the mountain ecosystem,” emphasise the scientists.
“The impact of climate change in Himachal Pradesh is real and the mountain people are aware of it. At present, everyone is perceiving heat stress-based uncomfortability. Both June and July experienced long dry spells along with increased maximum temperatures than the normal,” observed Dr Satish Bhardwaj, Head of Department, DoES.
July on an average experienced 29.7°C maximum temperature against the normal of 28.2°C. Scanty rains coupled with a rise in temperatures and associated humidity in the range of 70 per cent to 71 per cent created a congenial atmosphere for the pest attack on different crops. “Reduced rainfall and the rise in temperatures during June and July reduced the apple yield and its quality, especially in mid hills. The weather is very conducive for the mite attack in apple,” said Dr Bhardwaj.
Notably, the fall armyworm has hit the maize crop in Solan district, with 4,750 hectares coming under attack. The growers will lose nearly 15 per cent of their crop. Similarly, the foliar disease has been reported in apple from several areas.
The dry period during June has also influenced the early growth and development of vegetable crops, which, however, recovered during July due to the onset of the monsoon. Long dry periods might have also affected nutrient uptake by crops.
The present conditions, however, are very favourable for blight disease incidence, especially in tomato. “Farmers have been advised to keep their fields free from weeds so as to ensure proper air circulation for suppressing pest attack. Otherwise, the weather conditions are favourable for vegetable production but interestingly with light irrigation that too during the rainy season. They have further been directed to strictly adhere to the recommended spray schedules ” said Dr Bhardwaj.

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