Nagpur/Mumbai: Since the onset of the monsoon on June 1, Maharashtra has received an average rainfall of 141 millimeters, which is 68% of the seasonal average. Out of 25 districts, 165 talukas have recorded rainfall exceeding the average. These regions primarily include talukas from Marathwada, Western Vidarbha, and Western Maharashtra.
As of now, Kharif crop sowing has been completed on 3.83 million hectares, accounting for roughly 24% of the average sowing area. However, four districts in Eastern Vidarbha and 17 talukas in Nandurbar and Palghar have received less than 25% of the average rainfall. This deficiency has adversely affected paddy cultivation in Konkan and Eastern Vidarbha.
Despite the timely arrival of the monsoon, its progress has been slow. Consequently, 146 talukas in the state have received less than 75% of the average rainfall. In the Nagpur division, only 2.71% of sowing has been completed, while the Konkan division has seen merely 3.09% completion.
Additionally, 61 talukas have recorded rainfall between 25% and 50% of the average, and 68 talukas have received between 50% and 75%. Meanwhile, 53 talukas have seen rainfall ranging from 75% to 100% of the average.