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Though cyclone Nilofar is slated to weaken before its landfall near Naliya in Kutch, cotton and groundnut farmers in the coastal regions of Gujarat could be in for a spell of trouble.
Heavy rainfall triggered by the cyclonic storm could damage kharif crops. However, the Gujarat administration and farmer bodies have stepped up their preparations to avert the impending danger to the maximum possible extent.
However, the standing crop of cotton and groundnut in parts of Saurashtra, Kutch and North Gujarat could be adversely hit by the unseasonal rains.
India Meteorological Department has predicted heavy to moderate rains along the coastal districts of Gujarat, including Kutch, Porbandar, Jamnagar and Devbhumi Dwarka till November 1.
“Even if the velocity of the wind is lower, rains will damage the bolls in cotton as water could seep inside it. This will affect the quality and productivity,” said NM Sharma, Managing Director, Gujcot.
Harvests at risk However, the first plucking has almost been completed in most regions, but for the long-duration plants, subsequent plucking may be affected.
“We have advised farmers not to make fresh harvest for the next two-three days. Also, whatever has been harvested should be kept in safe and dry places,” said Mukesh Parmar, District Agriculture Officer, Kutch.
Gujarat has over 30 lakh hectares of area under cotton cultivation, while groundnut sowing has been done on about 12.25 lakh hectares.
For government officials, groundnut is a worry too.
“Cyclonic rains will damage groundnut lying in the fields. Most of the crop is ready as farmers had begun harvesting about a fortnight ago; however, about 40 per cent crop is still to be harvested,” said a State Agriculture Department official in Rajkot.
The Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) in the regions have also advised farmers not to bring farm produces for trading for the next two days.
“We have decided to keep market yard closed for fresh arrivals on November 1,” said Mahesh Vadodaria, Secretary, Gondal APMC, one of the largest APMCs in the State.
The current situation is akin to the one witnessed in 2010 when unseasonal rains affected cotton and groundnut crops, especially in the Saurashtra region.
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