The current water deficit situation affecting paddy crops in
West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, UP, and Punjab, and its potential impact on rice
yield. Despite an increase in sowing percentage compared to the previous year,
deficient rainfall poses a serious threat to paddy production. The critical
stages of rice growth, particularly the reproductive stage, are highly
sensitive to water stress, which could result in significant yield losses if
conditions do not improve.
Current Situation
Government data indicates that sowing of paddy crops has increased in the current year compared to 2023.
However, the Indian
Meteorological Department (IMD) reports a continuing deficiency in rainfall
across the affected states. This water deficit could adversely impact rice
yields due to the crop's sensitivity to moisture stress at various growth
stages.
Rainfall Deviation from Long Term Average 01 June to 04 August 2024
Currently Paddy is in Vegetative Growth Stage
Requirement: Immediately after transplanting, paddy requires
adequate land submergence (5 cm) to protect seedlings from wind damage and
support root development. A shallow depth of 2 cm of water is beneficial for
tiller production and anchorage.
Affect of Deficit: Moisture stress during the active tillering
phase can reduce yield up to 30%. As water levels are currently below optimal,
there is a risk that tillering and root anchorage could be compromised, leading
to reduced overall yield potential.
The most criticle stage of rice is its reproductive stage
and water requirement is high at that time, if the water deficient condition
changes to its normal before touching its reproductive stage then there will be
no significant yield loss, if not than there might be chances of yield loss in
these region.
Subsequently rains in later half of august and September will
be critical where paddy comes to reproductive (pinnacle formation) and later at
grain filling stage.
Conclusion
The current deficient rainfall in West Bengal, Bihar,
Jharkhand, and Punjab poses a significant risk to paddy crops, particularly at
the reproductive stage where water stress can lead to severe yield losses.
Immediate action is required to manage water resources effectively and
implement stress mitigation strategies to safeguard against potential yield
reduction. Continued monitoring of weather patterns and timely interventions
will be critical in minimizing the adverse impacts of the ongoing water
deficit.
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