Solan is among seven districts in India facing a rain deficit in winter, despite February's rainfall being 52.3% above average. Other affected districts include Chamba, Lahaul Spiti, Una, Hamirpur, Kangra, and Sirmaur. Collectively, these areas experienced lower-than-normal precipitation during January and February, with the state overall facing a 26% deficit.
Data from the Department of Environment Sciences at Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, indicate Solan has a 33.1% rainfall deficit from November to February. November and December saw no rain, against the usual 9.3 mm and 28.9 mm, respectively. In January, rainfall was only 4.8 mm compared to the normal 59.4 mm, leading to concerns among the agrarian community and the Jal Shakti Department.
February's precipitation was 107.8 mm, higher than the normal 52.3 mm, yet the overall deficit persists at 33.1%. Dr. Satish Bhardwaj, Head of Department at Dr YS Parmar University, stated, "Prolonged water stress conditions have caused irreversible damage not only to the Rabi crops but the stone and pome fruits where lesser chilling due to rise in temperature may result in erratic flowering. This will adversely affect quality and yield."
Ajay Kumar, a vegetable grower in Kasauli, reported a 35% crop yield due to insufficient rainfall and delayed sowing. Stone fruit growers, cultivating plum, peach, and apricot, are concerned about early and erratic flowering, fearing similar losses to last year.
Source: The Tribune
