Rainfall characteristics and rainwater management Strategy for crop production

Abstract

Frequency analysis of rainfall data for 1.0 stations is carried out to identify rainfall characteristics in three regions with rainfall greater than 2000 mm, rainfall in the 1000-2000 mm range and rainfall in the range group of 500-1000 mm. The data thus generated indicated that both excess and deficit rainfall periods could occur within a cropping season at most stations located in three, groups. While one day storm rainfall is maximum at Dapoli, it is minimum at Ludhiana. However, short period excess rainfall occurs at each station during which water could be harvested for recycling. Crops characteristics of two major crops, i.e., rice and wheat are discussed which also indicate that in both cases excess and deficit of water could affect yield. The minimum yield of rice is reported from stations in the 1000-2000 mm range group where periods of water stress as well as

excess water occur during c~itica.1 periods and affect the yield. Although conventional irrigation could firm up, to some extent, the uncertainly ill supply of water during monsoon and partly during rabi season, it does not help to overcome problems related to excess water. A farm/community pond based storage and recycling technology is suggested. The technology is feasible and justifiably a better alternative to conventional irrigation, particularly in sub-humid and humid regions, and is relatively cheaper. Preliminary analysis and results are encouraging enough to suggest that the technology could be tried and evaluated at more stations.