Bihar Faces Looming Agrarian Crisis Amid Weak Monsoon, 15 Districts on Brink of Drought

Patna: A mounting monsoon crisis is unfolding across Bihar, where the state has received only 239.4 mm of rainfall till July 23, starkly short of the 422.6 mm normal average—a deficit of 43%. This shortfall has plunged at least 15 districts into drought-like conditions, with fields cracking, paddy saplings drying up, and farmers fearing economic devastation.

“The trough line, which normally brings rain to North Bihar, has remained stuck in southern regions like Jharkhand and Odisha,” said Dr. Devan Kumar Chaudhary, a senior meteorologist from the Agricultural Research Center, Agwanpur. “Unless a strong low-pressure system develops over the Bay of Bengal, there’s little chance of relief in the next 48 hours.”

North Bihar Worst Hit

Northern districts such as Sitamarhi, Saharsa, Madhubani, Gopalganj, and West Champaran have borne the brunt of the rainfall deficit.

In Sitamarhi, the situation is critical. Rainfall is down by 70%—only 65.9 mm has fallen against the normal 236 mm for the period from July 1 to July 23. Paddy transplantation is at a mere 45%, when it should have crossed 90% by now.

District Agriculture Officer Shantanu Kumar warned, “Districts receiving less than 66% rainfall fall under the drought category. Sitamarhi’s condition meets this benchmark.”

Cracks have appeared in paddy fields, and irrigation through boring is becoming unviable. “It takes over four hours to irrigate just one kattha,” said Mukesh Yadav, a farmer from Dumra. “Most hand pumps have gone dry, and without power, we can’t use boring either.”

Madhubani, Saharsa, and Gopalganj Report Drying Fields

In Madhubani, the rainfall so far is just 280 mm, against the expected 550 mm. Paddy plantation has come to a standstill. “I’ve never seen such drought in my life,” said Ramkumar Yadav, a farmer from Ladniya block.

Saharsa has received only 152 mm of rain instead of the usual 464.5 mm, a 67% deficit. With just half the paddy sown, cracks in the soil are raising fears of total crop failure.

In Gopalganj, rainfall has barely touched 53.2 mm, compared to the normal 314.1 mm. “We’re paying ₹250 an hour for irrigation, but the soil is breaking apart,” said Ram Avtar Yadav, a distressed farmer from the region.

Diesel Subsidy Announced, But Relief Elusive

The Bihar government has announced a diesel subsidy of ₹1,000 per acre to aid irrigation efforts. But many farmers say it’s not enough.

“Diesel cost for irrigating paddy per acre is already ₹6,000–₹7,000,” said Mohd. Imtiaz Alam from Lakshminiya. “Even after multiple irrigations, the field dries up again in a day or two.”

West Champaran: A Cry for Help

In West Champaran, agricultural experts have issued a stark warning. “If it doesn’t rain in the next few days, this year’s crops might fail entirely,” said Dr. Abhishek Pratap Singh of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Madhopur.

Rivers like Kamla, Balan, and Jeevch have dipped below normal levels, while Adhwara group rivers and canals have dried up completely. Dust swirls in barren fields that should be green with paddy.

Farmer Harishankar Sharma from Bettiah voiced his despair: “I borrowed money and sold stored grain to plant paddy. But the sky betrayed us. Now we have no water, no money, and no help.”

Hope Hangs on Bay of Bengal System

Meteorologists pin their hopes on a low-pressure system expected to form in the Bay of Bengal on July 24. But even that is no guarantee.

“Unless it strengthens and shifts northward, North Bihar will continue to stay dry,” Dr. Chaudhary added.

Government Prepares Drought Reports

Agriculture departments across the state are preparing block-wise assessments. Several districts, including Madhubani, Sitamarhi, Saharsa, and West Champaran, are likely to be recommended for drought declaration if significant rainfall doesn’t arrive within the next 7–10 days.

Until then, the anxiety in rural Bihar grows by the hour. Farmers watch the sky, pray for clouds, and brace for what could be the worst monsoon crisis in recent memory.