NASHIK: Inadequate rain is adversely affecting kharif crops like like maize, bajra and onions in Nashik district and the situation will be worse if the dry spell continues, say farmers.The rain has been eluding most parts of the district for the past one month, threatening the survival of standing crops. Farmers said they will incur more losses if the rain does not arrive within a week.According to the farmers, Nandgaon, Malegaon , Satana and Deola talukas are facing a drought-like situation.Many farmers focus on maize because of the presence of poultry industry, and the sowing has been done on around 2 lakh hectare. “But the crop is suffering due to inadequate rain. The yield is expected to drop by around 40%, but may go up to 50% if the rain fails us in the next few days”, said Mahesh Pawar, a farmer.“The situation is same where other kharif crops are concerned. The condition of crops along canals is good, but the total areas is 20% of total acreage in the district,” he added.Another farmer, Ramesh Dabhade, said that although bajra need less water, the quality and yield of the crop has reduced because of inadequate rain. “The rain delayed by a month this year. Hence, most farmers shifted to cultivation of kharif onion , the plantation of which is expected at around 30,000 hectare in the district.”Sandeep Adke, an onion grower, said there is no rain for the last one month and that the kharif onion has already been badly affected. “The situation will be worse for us if it does not rain in a few days.”Sanjay Nyaharkar said kharif onions have been cultivated in Kalwan, Chandvad, Yeola , Malegaon and Sinnar talukas. “There has been inadequate rain this year and it has disappeared for the past one month. This has already badly affected onion crops. The situation will be worse if the rain continues to elude the district,” he added

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