Severe Weather Threatens Gujarat's Cotton and Peanut Crops Ahead of Harvest
By 2024-08-30 10:58:14
Gujarat's Cotton and Peanut Crops Face Danger From Severe Weather Before Harvest
Gujarat, India's leading cotton and peanut-producing state, is facing a severe threat from ongoing heavy rains and impending strong winds, just as the harvest season approaches. These adverse weather conditions could lead to flooding, endangering key crops in the region.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted significant rainfall for the Saurashtra and Kachchh regions of Gujarat, continuing for three days through Saturday. The situation is further aggravated by a deep depression near the coast, which is expected to intensify into a cyclone by Friday. Wind speeds could escalate to as high as 85 kilometers (53 miles) per hour, according to a Thursday bulletin.
If the cotton crops suffer severe damage, India may be forced to increase its cotton imports, which could provide a boost to global cotton prices that have dropped nearly 15% this year. Meanwhile, a potential decline in peanut production could tighten supplies in the domestic market, impacting a nation that already imports approximately 60% of its vegetable oil needs.
Earlier this week, parts of Gujarat experienced flash floods due to heavy rainfall, with one town recording up to 300 millimeters of rain in just 24 hours by Thursday morning, the IMD reported.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been dispatched to the affected regions, successfully rescuing over 500 individuals from waterlogged areas across several districts of Gujarat, the agency shared on social media.
The IMD has issued warnings to oil exploration companies and port operators along the Gujarat and Maharashtra coasts, advising them to monitor the developing weather closely and take appropriate measures until Friday. Fishermen have also been cautioned to avoid the Arabian Sea due to the dangerous conditions.
