The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of heavy to very heavy rain in many parts of the country in the next seven days. This heavy rain creates major challenges for both daily life and agriculture. In states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, sowing of Kharif crops has either been completed or is currently underway. Heavy rain at this time can damage young crop plants; Such bad weather conditions can spoil all the hard work of farmers.
**Why are these 7 days important**
This time is very important for farmers because during this time paddy is planted and crops like soybean, maize, cotton, pulses and oilseeds grow. In many areas, rice plants are still in their early stages and need moisture, but prolonged standing water in fields can cause root rot and the entire crop can be ruined. Additionally, heavy rains wash away essential nutrients from the top layer of the soil, causing crops to turn yellow.
**Immediate steps to be taken for farmers**
In view of the warning from the Meteorological Department, farmers should immediately make preparations to save their fields. The first and most important step is to remove excess water. Deep drains should be dug around the fields to drain accumulated water immediately; This is especially important to avoid water logging in vegetable and pulse crops. Farmers should avoid using any fertilizers, manures or pesticides during this period, as heavy rains will wash away these chemicals, resulting in wastage of inputs.
**High Risk States**
The Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rain in Bihar, Jharkhand, Himalayan areas of West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha in the coming weeks. There is also a danger of lightning in these states. There is a possibility of heavy rain in Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan in the next six-seven days. A deep area of low pressure is forming over West Bengal and Odisha, due to which heavy rains are expected in the coming days.
