Heat intensifies in state; monsoon delay increases drought concerns

Patna: Patna and the rest of Bihar are witnessing rising temperatures with four districts recording temperatures above 40°C on Tuesday, while uncertainty over the arrival of the southwest monsoon has heightened concerns about a possible rainfall deficit and drought-like conditions.Scientists at the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Patna, said the monsoon has not yet reached the Indian subcontinent, making it difficult to accurately project its arrival in Bihar. Current forecasts suggest the state may receive below-normal rainfall this year.The IMD has also issued yellow warnings for heatwave conditions in south-western districts and for gusty winds and rainfall in north-eastern districts between June 4 and June 8.Sanjay Kumar, meteorologist at IMD Patna, said the monsoon’s progress over Bihar would become clearer once it reaches the Kerala coast.“By June 4, if the southwest monsoon arrives at the Kerala coast, its strength, progression and trajectory can be mapped for Bihar. The SW monsoons should cover the state from June 15 to 18,” Sanjay said.He attributed the possibility of delayed and deficient rainfall to two factors – the El Niño effect and a declining rainfall trend during the current decadal cycle.Explaining the contrasting weather patterns across the state, Sanjay said easterly winds from the Bay of Bengal bring moisture to northern Bihar, while dry westerly winds from Pakistan, Afghanistan and Rajasthan trigger heatwave-like conditions in southern districts. He added that temperatures are likely to continue rising until the latter half of June.Agriculture experts warned that deficient rainfall could adversely affect kharif crop production.Ratnesh Kumar Jha, director of extension education at RPCAU, Pusa, said rice remains the principal kharif crop and farmers are being encouraged to adopt medium- and short-duration rice varieties that require less water and are better suited to dry conditions.“We are asking farmers to grow maize where rice cannot be sown,” Ratnesh said.He added that scientists have prepared a contingency plan that includes laser land levelling, bund construction for water conservation, increased use of crop residue and organic matter to improve water retention, and staggered rice nursery preparation. Farmers have also been advised to cultivate millets, particularly finger millet, which can withstand low rainfall conditions.