Incomplete Gamma distribution of rainfall for sustainable crop production strategies at Palampur, Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

The knowledge of rainfall pattern (amount and probability) helps in planning of crops to be grown in a region. Therefore weekly, monthly, seasonal and annual rainfall data for 33 years (1974-2006) for the station Palampur have been collected and its analysis has been attempted.  The annual and monthly rainfall data were analyzed for finding out drought normality and abnormality. The analysis indicated that the rainfall is mainly confined in annual rainfall       2343 mm with 25.7 per cent variability. The standard deviation of annual rainfall is 62.8 mm. Each standard week from 26th to 35th receive a rainfall of more than 100 mm, indicating the crop period. Seed sowing in paddy nursery in the Palampur region generally takes places immediately after initiation of monsoon during 23^rd - 25^th standard meteorological weeks and transplanting is carried out around 27^th or 28^th standard meteorological week. The tillering, 50 percent flowering and dough stage are observed during 32-33^rd, 37-38^th and 40-41^st  standard meteorological weeks respectively.