Maharashtra Faces Severe Rain Deficit in Specific Regions Despite Normal State Average

Maharashtra is facing a severe dry spell in several parts due to huge regional differences in rainfall this monsoon season. The state overall has a rain deficit of 18 percent, while the country as a whole has a 13 percent deficit. However, regions like Marathwada and Vidarbha have received very little rain. Marathwada has a deficit of 38 percent, and Vidarbha has a 27 percent shortage. Seven districts have a huge deficit where rainfall is only about 50 percent of normal. These include Solapur, Dharashiv, Latur, Hingoli, Jalna, Beed, and parts of Nanded. Except for Solapur, all these districts are in the Marathwada region. Meanwhile, western Maharashtra is in a better position, and Nashik district has even received 37 percent excess rain. Traders and processors state that soyabean crop yields in Marathwada will drop to 40 to 50 percent of normal, and in Vidarbha to 60 to 70 percent of normal. These crops will reach mandis in about 15 days around the Navratri festival. Prices in Latur are currently near Rs 5,600 to 5,700 per quintal, which is close to the government minimum support price of Rs 5,705. Good soyabean production in Madhya Pradesh is expected to make up for the losses in Maharashtra. Other crops like arhar or tur face bigger risks because they take 160 to 180 days to grow. Arhar will enter its flowering stage in the third week of October and pod-filling in November, but ongoing low rainfall from the El Nino effect may cause major water stress. Arhar prices in Latur are already between Rs 9,000 and Rs 9,200 per quintal, staying well above the minimum support price of Rs 8,450. Chana prices are also high at around Rs 7,200 per quintal compared to the minimum support price of Rs 5,875. The biggest problem will come in the upcoming rabi season because low rainfall has left the soil dry and emptied reservoirs and borewells, which means farmers may skip sowing crops like chana and jowar.