Maharashtra advises farmers to delay sowing as widespread rains unlikely before June 15

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The Maharashtra government has advised farmers not to rush into sowing operations, warning that widespread and adequate monsoon rainfall is unlikely across most parts of the state before June 15.

According to an advisory issued by the Maharashtra Agriculture and Disaster Management Department, weather forecasts indicate subdued rainfall activity and slow advancement of the southwest monsoon over the coming week, raising concerns about premature sowing and potential crop losses.

Monsoon Progress Remains Slow Across State

Officials said the southwest monsoon has entered south Konkan and is expected to bring moderate to heavy rainfall in parts of Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri districts until June 9. However, rainfall activity across the rest of Maharashtra is likely to remain uneven and insufficient for large-scale agricultural operations.

The department noted that although isolated showers and thunderstorms are expected in several regions, they may not provide the sustained soil moisture required for successful sowing.

Agriculture experts have therefore urged farmers to wait for consistent rainfall before beginning cultivation activities.

Scattered Rain Forecast for Interior Maharashtra

According to the advisory, parts of Vidarbha, Marathwada, Khandesh and Madhya Maharashtra may witness cloudy conditions along with scattered thunderstorms and rain during afternoon and evening hours until at least June 15.

However, officials cautioned that these weather events are expected to be localised in nature and may not translate into widespread monsoon coverage across agricultural areas.

The department stressed that farmers should not base sowing decisions solely on thunderstorm forecasts or isolated rainfall events.

Farmers Urged to Avoid Premature Sowing

The government has warned that undertaking sowing operations before the arrival of sustained monsoon rains could expose crops to moisture stress if rainfall activity weakens after initial showers.

"Current weather conditions do not indicate satisfactory and widespread rainfall across the state. Farmers should not undertake sowing operations merely on the basis of forecast thunderstorm activity and isolated rainfall," the advisory stated.

Agricultural experts have repeatedly highlighted the risks associated with early sowing during uncertain monsoon conditions, as prolonged dry spells following germination can significantly affect crop growth and productivity.

Temperatures to Remain High in Several Regions

Apart from limited rainfall activity, several parts of Maharashtra are expected to continue experiencing high temperatures over the next few days.

The department said maximum temperatures in Vidarbha and Khandesh could exceed 40 degrees Celsius, while many areas of Marathwada are likely to record temperatures between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius until at least June 12.

The combination of high temperatures and inadequate rainfall could further affect soil moisture levels and agricultural planning.

Authorities Advise Close Monitoring of Weather Forecasts

Officials have urged farmers to closely follow weather updates and wait for widespread and sustained rainfall before initiating sowing activities.

The advisory emphasised that careful planning during the early monsoon period is essential to minimise crop losses and ensure better agricultural outcomes during the kharif season.

Agriculture department officials said farmers should remain in contact with local agricultural extension services for region-specific guidance regarding sowing schedules and crop management.

Safety Advisory Issued During Thunderstorms

The government has also issued a public safety advisory regarding thunderstorms and lightning activity expected in some regions.

Residents have been advised not to take shelter under trees, temporary metal structures, tin sheds or near electrical poles, transformers and power lines during thunderstorms.

Officials said people should remain indoors whenever possible during lightning activity and follow safety guidelines issued by local authorities.

With monsoon advancement expected to remain slow over the next week, the state government has urged farmers to exercise patience and avoid taking decisions based on short-term weather fluctuations until a stable rainfall pattern develops across Maharashtra.

(With inputs from PTI)