Rain deficit withers Maharashtra crops, festive food prices may spike

A prolonged break in rainfall has caused heavy damage to farm crops in Maharashtra, once again raising the spectre of severe drought and water scarcity in the state. The erratic rain has not only put farmers in trouble but also threatens to hit the pockets of ordinary people in the coming months. Economist, senior journalist and policy analyst G. Chandrashekhar has warned of a sharp rise in prices of vegetables, foodgrain and milk in the market.

Rainfall failed in August and September, causing kharif season crops to wither. Soybean, cotton, pulses and vegetable production have been badly hit. In several areas, falling groundwater and borewell levels have brought standing crops to the brink of ruin. Reduced output will slow arrivals in the market, and with demand remaining steady, a spike in prices cannot be ruled out.

The likely price increases can be seen across several categories. First, vegetables: reduced arrivals of leafy and other vegetables are expected to double retail prices. Second, edible oil and pulses: falling soybean and pulses output could push edible oil and dal such as tur, moong and chana to record highs. Third, milk and dairy products: the absence of rain has triggered a severe fodder shortage, and a lack of green fodder is expected to reduce milk yields from dairy animals, pointing to higher milk prices. Fourth, grain and rice: damage to kharif foodgrain crops may also push up the prices of rice and jowar-bajra.

Water stock in the state's major dams is lower than last year, raising serious concerns over drinking and irrigation water. Several rural areas have already had to start water tankers, and demand for fodder camps is gathering pace.

With festivals approaching, the situation created by the rain break is set to strain the budgets of housewives and ordinary families. There is a growing demand for the government to immediately declare drought-like conditions and take steps to provide financial help to farmers while keeping market prices in check.

The long rain break has caused heavy damage to kharif crops in Maharashtra and created a severe shortage of drinking water and fodder for the coming seven to eight months. Against this backdrop, the state government has stepped up administrative action. Panchnama surveys are beginning directly in the fields from today, and the first drought notification is likely to be issued before the coming Saturday. A sub-committee has been formed for drought mitigation, and visits by ministers have also been scheduled. The government is currently having to work simultaneously on panchnamas, relief, fodder and water planning. All eyes are now on how much help, and of what kind, farmers caught in this crisis ultimately receive.