Coimbatore: Heavy rainfall continued to lash the district creating many unpleasant accidents and affecting the daily lives of people. On the agricultural side, it was a boon for farmers. Crops which are in the early stages like all fruit-bearing trees, have been boosted by the rainfall. But crops attaining maturity will face problems. As far Coimbatore is concerned, there has not been much damage.
“The day before yesterday, we received 44.5 mm rainfall. Regions like Bannari and Sathyamangalam, where crops like turmeric, banana and pulses are planted, face possibilities of rhizome rot setting in. Places like Thondamuthur, which cultivate grapes, have chances to face downy mildew, a highly destructive disease of grapevine,” said S. Paneerselvam, head of the agro-climate research centre at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU). Rainfall is again a boon for fodder crops.
In 2005, Coimbatore received similar rainfall. Summer showers are for three months: March, April and May. Last year, Coimbatore received 142 mm rainfall during the same period. Normal rainfall recorded in this region is 136 mm. “This year, so far, we have received 227 mm rainfall. In the remaining 15 days, we expect to receive 30 mm rainfall. On Sunday we expect to receive 20 mm and on Monday, 10 mm. The sky is going to be overcast,” informed Paneerselvam.
The rain is also a plus-point for soil which will absorb pesticides and nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus. When there are no showers, farmers have to use a lot of electricity to irrigate the land and invest on fuel for tractors to plough the lands. The rain will also save trees and paddy stalks from drying up.
On the other hand, this rain has created pollution, says K. Mohan Raj, secretary of the Save Coimbatore Wetlands. “It is no doubt helping agriculture but the rain has brought all the pollutants and garbage back into the Noyyal river and some water tanks,” he complained.
