Heavy rainfall brings relief to Kharif crops in Bihar and other eastern states

New Delhi. A low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal has intensified into a depression, bringing heavy rainfall to the country's eastern states; this is expected to provide relief to Kharif crops, including paddy. Several parts of Bihar have been experiencing torrential rain for the past two days. Similarly, reports of heavy rainfall have been received from West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, and the coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh. These states had previously faced a rainfall deficit.

Paddy, maize, and jute are produced on a large scale in the eastern states, whereas the cultivation of pulses and oilseeds covers a relatively smaller area. Cotton is cultivated in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, while Bihar and Andhra Pradesh see significant sugarcane production. Sorghum (jowar) and pearl millet (bajra) are sown over limited areas in these states.

The current spell of rain will prove beneficial, particularly for paddy, maize, and sugarcane crops, raising hopes for improved yields. While fields in many areas are waterlogged, there is also a risk of flooding in some places, which could potentially damage the crops.