Farmers in the Kohlapur district are unsure whether or not they should sow their crops. Following strong pre-monsoon rains last week and word of the monsoon arriving early, several farmers began pre-monsoon farming activities.
The Agriculture Department of District, on the other hand, has urged farmers not to hurry their sowing activities since a dry spell is a forecast, which might hamper their efforts.
"Farmers who can supply water to the crops may carry out the planting operations taking reasonable risks, as the prospects of a good harvest are high, and they can prepare their farms for sugar cane shortly," said district agricultural supervisor Dnyaneshwar Vakure.
Since the rainfall last week was pre-monsoon showers, only farmers who can afford to provide water in the event of a dry spell can continue sowing.
Those who do not have access to water and are reliant on rain should postpone their planting operations for a time."
Meanwhile, people flocked to the businesses selling agricultural supplies.
"After the rain, farmers were spotted in the markets looking to acquire seeds and other equipment required for sowing and pre-monsoon farming," Uttam Patil, a shopkeeper selling seeds and fertilizer in Shahupuri, said. We advise them not to start sowing too soon."
"Last year, after a few spells of rain, we proceeded with our sowing activities," said Mahesh Dakare, a farmer from Balinga village. Then there was a long dry spell. As a result, our seeds and efforts were both wasted.
In the second session of June last year, we had to seed for the second time. Hopefully, the rain will arrive on schedule this time and will be constant, with no dry intervals."
