BAU VC urges farmers to shift to millets, pulses amid warnings of weak monsoon

Ranchi: With the India Meteorological Department predicting low or below -normal rainfall this monsoon, Birsa Agriculture University (BAU) vice-chancellor SC Dubey on Monday urged farmers to cultivate millets, pulses and oilseeds instead of rice in the coming kharif season to avoid losses.

Dubey was speaking at a two-day workshop of the agriculture department convened to prepare contingency plans for the kharif season. He also advised the state govt to spread awareness among farmers through its network of ground-level officers, stressing that timely outreach and crop planning were essential to protect cultivators from weather-linked risks.

Referring to the possibility of a drought-like spell from June to September this year, Dubey said, “The focus should be on conserving moisture and preparing farmers in advance. Officials working at the grassroots must encourage diversification of crops such as millets, pulses and other varieties.”

Dubey said stopping rice cultivation altogether would be difficult for farmers, but added that diversification was necessary, especially in upland areas. “In such regions, black gram and pigeon pea could be used as alternatives to paddy as the threat of deficient rainfall looms large," he said.

The BAU VC also stressed the need for rainwater harvesting, calling it essential in a weak monsoon year. He said, “Vegetable cultivation could also be a good option if rainfall remained low.” Dubey further encouraged the use of drip irrigation, saying govt support for the facility was available.

Dubey also said farmers could sow seeds early if needed to improve outcomes. He noted that by July, it would become clearer whether the state was heading towards a drought-like or drought situation. “Preparedness must begin now and that the situation would be clearer by July 15," he said.

On the first day of the two-day workshop, agricultural officers from across Jharkhand presented district-wise contingency plans for the upcoming season, especially to tackle possible drought conditions, an official statement said.

Agriculture department’s deputy director (statistics) Shailendra Kumar said minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey has already directed officials for comprehensive preparations and coordination across all divisions to handle any drought-like situation.