Rain returns, though a bit late

COIMBATORE: Residents can expect a dip in temperature in the coming days for if the experts are right, the city will see moderate to heavy showers. Although the monsoon has been delayed, most people are just happy that they will see some rain. But farmers indicate that the showers have come too late for any impact on the crops. Large tracts have been left fallow after the monsoon failed and it is too late now to sow any crop, they say.Of course, the rain could turn to be a welcome relief for the standing crop and the help meet the drinking water requirements of cities and villages.
V Geethalakshmi, head of the agro-climate research centre at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) says that the rains will gain momentum in August and September. "In August, there will be 34 millimetres of rain and in September it will increase to 54 mm," she said. Considering the South West monsoons were weak in the entire state, the predicted showers will be a boost for this water-starved region.
The inadequate monsoon rains in June and July was due to the 'El Nino' effect, she said. El Nino, meaning 'little boy' in Spanish, refers to the abnormal warming of the sea surface of the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean which upsets weather patterns across the Asia-Pacific regions. Fortunately, the city can expect moderate showers in the coming days. About 15 mm of rain is expected initially. It is expected to gather momentum eventually, she said.
The inadequate rains have led to crop damage to the tune of Rs 500 crores in Coimbatore,
said P Kandasamy, secretary of Tamil Nadu Farmers' Association. "The lack of rains has affected the farmers who are going through a crisis," he said. The Noyyal River had dried up, causing ground water levels in neibhbouring farms to dip, he said. Crops like corn and maize were not sown as there were no rains. Crops which were sown were damaged due to feeble rains. "We are pinning our hopes on the North East monsoons," he said.
Geethalakshmi expects the Northeast monsoons to be normal. This would help increase the ground water levels too. Meanwhile, farmers are hoping to improve their yield with adequate rains.