Patna: Despite the sluggish monsoon in Bihar, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert for light to moderate rainfall in 17 districts of the state on Monday. This comes as a glimmer of hope for farmers battling one of the driest starts to the season in recent years.
According to the IMD, the maximum temperature across Bihar is expected to dip by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius over the next three days, providing some relief from daytime heat. However, no significant change is anticipated in the minimum temperature, keeping night conditions normal.
56% Rain Deficit Worsens Farm Woes
So far, the state has recorded only 138 mm of rainfall against the normal average of 313.1 mm by July 13 — a deficit of 56%. The shortfall has severely affected agricultural activities, especially paddy sowing, which is critically dependent on timely rainfall.
Farmers across the state are growing increasingly anxious as the ideal sowing window rapidly closes. Cracks have begun to appear in farmlands due to prolonged dry spells in several regions.
Sporadic Showers in 14 Districts
Rainfall was reported in 14 districts including Patna, Banka, Madhepura, Lakhisarai, Katihar, Bihar Sharif, Chapra, Jehanabad, Sheikhpura, Hajipur, Begusarai, Munger, Buxar, and Supaul over the last 24 hours. However, many other areas remained dry, further deepening the crisis for cultivators.
Prayers for Rain in Darbhanga
In a symbolic expression of desperation, residents of Darbhanga district, particularly from the Muslim community, offered special prayers for rain. “We prayed for the revival of rainfall so that the fields can turn green again and sowing activities resume,” said a local resident.
Lightning Claims Six Lives, One Injured
Lightning strikes added to the state’s woes, killing six people and injuring one on Sunday. In Banka district, a farmer died in Baja village under Bharko Panchayat. Another casualty was reported from Milki village in Mokama, where 55-year-old Pokhnarayan Mahato lost his life.
In Gaya district, three people died and one person suffered severe burns due to lightning during the evening hours.
Hope on the Horizon: Monsoon Revival Predicted After July 16
The IMD has forecast that the monsoon may regain strength starting July 16, thanks to a new weather system forming over the Bay of Bengal. Moisture-laden winds from this system are expected to move towards Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal, potentially leading to heavy rainfall across Bihar.
Meteorologists explain that the northward shift of the monsoon trough line could trigger a fresh spell of rain. “The middle of July is critical for agriculture in Bihar,” said a senior official at the IMD Patna office. “If the rainfall picks up after July 16, paddy and other Kharif crops can still be salvaged. Otherwise, drought-like conditions may develop.”
Government Monitoring the Situation
The state’s Agriculture Department has intensified monitoring amid mounting concerns of a drought. Officials are assessing crop health and coordinating with district-level officers to prepare contingency plans.
Farmers, meteorologists, and government agencies now anxiously await July 16 — a date that could determine the fate of this year’s agricultural output in Bihar.
