By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, August 4, 2017: Rains in Odisha have been erratic this year with some parts of the state having seriously affected by flood while and district the deficit rainfall in July in six districts has affected agricultural activities leaving the farmers worried.

As many as six districts – Nuapada, Kandhamal, Bolangir, Dhenkanal, Angul and Bargarh – had received 30% and 54% deficit rainfall during the month, according to the Special Relief Commissioner’s (SRC) office.

Nuapada received the lowest rainfall with a deficit of 54%, while Kandhamal district registered a deficit rainfall of 39%, Bolangir 38%, Dhenkanal 33%, Angul 32% and Bargarh 30% deficit rainfall during July.

Earlier, the Met department had predicted sufficient rainfall in the season.

However, the rainfall was about 50% of the normal monsoon during June, leading to serious drought-like conditions.

Farmers in Odisha primarily sow seeds in June after monsoon showers and both transplantation and intercultural operations are undertaken in July. However, insufficient rainfall last month has kept farm lands dry even at the end of July.