Farmers in eastern India hit by early arrival of monsoon

Patna, June 20 : The early arrival of monsoon in Bihar has adversely affected the monsoon crops by upsetting the farmers' sowing schedule.

This is the time for the farmers in Patna to sow paddy seeds but because of the early arrival of monsoon this year, they are now occupied with removing water from their inundated fields.

"If monsoon had arrived by mid July, it would have been pleasing. But the early arrival of rains has proved harmful for our crops," said Satyendranarayan Singh, a farmer.

However, the agriculture experts opine that the rains would be harmful only in a few cases.

"It depends on the time of planting and sowing the seeds. The best period is counted near May 25. Those who have planted the seeds during that time are not likely to face this problem whereas the farmers who have just sowed the seeds are surely going to face trouble," said Mohammed Allauddin Khan, Regional Director, Indian Council of Agriculture Research, Patna.

But majority of farmers disagree with the experts positive views about rains saying that early rains are no good.

The early monsoons are generally favourable in areas having low percentage of rain.

ANI