Rain stops after sowing in Gondpipri, standing crops wither; farmers seek financial aid

Farmers in Gondpipri taluka of Chandrapur district are in serious trouble. Rain stopped abruptly after sowing, and the crops standing in the fields have begun to dry up for lack of water. The government has declared the taluka drought-hit, but farmers hope this will not end with the announcement and that they will actually receive adequate financial assistance.

Gondpipri lies at the far edge of the state, and its people depend heavily on farming. It is considered a backward taluka, with neither large industries nor major business opportunities. For this reason, most families still earn their livelihood from agriculture. The drought declaration has deepened the crisis for farmers.

Rain had raised good hopes at the start of the season. With satisfactory early rain, farmers began sowing with great expectations. Paddy, soybean and cotton were among the crops planted. Many farmers took loans for sowing and spent on seed, fertiliser, pesticides and preparing their land. They took the risk trusting that the rain would hold and the season would go well.

After sowing, however, the rain suddenly turned away. The gaps between spells of rain grew longer by the day while the heat of the sun intensified. As a result, crops in the fields have been left in a critical condition for want of water. In many places crop growth has stalled and farmers are watching standing crops dry up before their eyes. They fear losing a crop raised with hard work, expense and borrowed money.

Many farmers in Gondpipri taluka own small or medium-sized holdings. Income from farming sustains their families, pays for children's education and health expenses, and goes towards repaying loans. Crop loss therefore directly hits the finances of the whole family. This year's drought is no longer just a question of crops; it has become a question of survival for thousands of farming families. With the taluka declared drought-hit, farmers have got some relief.

Atul Jhade, a farmer from Borgaon, said, "This time the rain turned its back, and the standing crop is drying up before our eyes in the heat of the sun. It is a very good thing that the government has declared a drought. But financial aid should be given keeping in mind the yield of the farm."