Bhubaneswar: At least five out of 30 districts in State have recorded a severe deficit rainfall during this monsoon season (till August 22), sources said on Sunday.
As per a report of the office of Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), Keonjhar, Boudh, Angul, Jajpur and Bhadrak district have recorded a severe deficit rainfall (shortfall of >39% up to 59%) during June 1 and August 22.
Bhadrak district recorded a deficit rainfall of 48.2 per cent, followed by Jajpur (44.7%), Angul (43.5%), Boudh (43.5%), Keonjhar (42.4%).
Only five districts received normal downpour during this monsoon season. The five districts are—Cuttack, Malkangiri, Nayagarh, Koraput and Ganjam. Remaining 20 districts have witnessed deficit rainfall (shortfall of >19% up to 39%) while not a single district in Odisha recorded a surplus rainfall till now, the report said.
The State as a whole, has recorded 29.3 per cent deficit rainfall against the normal rainfall. The State has received 571.7 mm rainfall against the long term average rainfall of 809 mm.
Moreover, Odisha has recorded deficit rainfall of 16.6 per cent in the month of June 2021, which increased to 21.3 per cent in July and 51.7 per cent in August (till today).
Bhubaneswar Meteorological Centre director HR Biswas said the State is witnessing continuous rainfall. However, the amount is less compared to the normal one. That’s why, the negative figures recorded, pointed out.
One cannot say that there will be no impact of the deficit rainfall on agriculture. Contingency plans needed for the pockets, where very less rainfall occurred, Mr.Biswas added.