Pre-monsoon rains promise good Kharif crops

Chandigarh, Jun 17 (UNI) Haryana has recorded a rainfall of 56.1 mm during the pre-monsoon season so far, which is 8.1 mm more than the normal rainfall.

Among the agricultural experts in the state, this is being considered good for kharif crops.

In Ambala district, 128.6 mm of rainfall had been recorded which is highest in the state, a spokesman for the Agriculture department said today.

In Yamunanagar, Jind, Kaithal, Sirsa and Mewat, rainfall of 128.3mm, 117.1mm, 117.0 mm, 95.0 mm and 90.1 mm had been recorded respectively which was good sign for kharif crops.

He said usually monsoon reached the Northern India in the end of June or in the first week of July but this time it had arrived 15 days before the normal time.

''A good rainfall has been reported throughout the state which would be beneficial for Kharif crops like Bajra, Jawar and pulse and most importantly it is more useful for sugarcane crops,'' he said.

Sowing of Kharif crops had been started and in view of the ongoing rainfall, the area under paddy was expected to increase.

Similarly, as a result of heavy rainfall the ground level of water would also improve, he added.

The spokesman said the pre-monsoon rainfall would not have any adverse effect on the crops. ''However there is a need to take preventive measures especially in case of cotton crops from different pests.'' He advised the farmers to consult the agriculture officers and scientists before using any pesticides.

UNI MA PDT KN2021