Nashik district faces 184 mm rainfall deficit, threatening kharif crops

Nashik district has recorded a rainfall deficit of around 184 mm against its average during the current monsoon season, raising concerns over agriculture and water availability. The district normally receives approximately 934 mm annual rainfall, but this year has seen below-normal precipitation with uneven distribution across regions.

The deficit has been particularly acute in September, when the district received only 50.3 mm of rainfall between September 1-27, against an expected 165.2 mm. This prolonged dry spell has affected soil moisture and stressed standing kharif crops including soybean, maize, bajra, cotton, moong and urad, with inadequate moisture impacting crop growth and yield prospects. Farmers in rain-dependent areas face greater hardship.

District officials note that timing and distribution of rainfall matter as much as total volume. Heavy showers followed by extended dry periods have prevented sustained soil moisture retention. The deficit has also raised concerns about groundwater levels and water availability for the upcoming rabi season. The district administration is monitoring rainfall, reservoir storage and groundwater conditions.