KALPETTA: For the second consecutive year, the rainfall pattern in Wayanad is on a diminishing trend registering a 50 per cent deficit in average rainfall, according to experts. In all monsoon months so far, the district received lower rainfall than the previous year. The district has so far received 1125 millimetre rain where as last year in the same period from January to August it was 1176 millimetre, as per the figures of Regional Agricultural Research Station, Ambalavayal. Intensity of rain in June registered a sharp decrease. In 2016 June, the rain received in the district was 334 millimetre where as in 2017 June it was 200.6 millimetre.
In July 2016 the district received 285 millimetre rainfall. It is to be recalled that the combined rainfall of June and July in 2015 was 912 mm. In July this year (238 millimetre) also the district received a comparatively low rainfall. Experts pointed out that there is not much difference from last year on the rainfall pattern. RARS director Dr P. Rajendran told DC that if the late monsoon rains profusely bless the district, the plight of residents would be worst than last year. All crops including pepper, coffee and paddy would be affected, he added.
