Abstract:
The occurrence of drought leads to reduction in stream-flow, and consequent reduction in reservoir and tank levels and depletion of soil moisture and groundwater. There is a need to develop suitable criteria for planning supplemental irrigation to crops for increasing and stabilizing crop yields during non-drought conditions, and minimizing crop damages during drought. The present study is aimed to study hydrological and agricultural aspects of drought in Chhindwara district as the recurrence of drought in these parts of the country in recent years have caused unprecedented economic losses and great suffering to the affected areas. The study is based on the analysis ofrainfall and stream flow.
In Chhindwara district the deficiency of annual rainfall is observed up to 65%. In the district approximately one out of every three to four year is drought year. The year 2000 and 2001 was most severely affected as most of the blocks of the district were under drought and major area of the district is found as drought prone. The mean date of onset of effective monsoon (EMO) in Chhindwara district varies from 13th June to 2 June and the date of withdrawal of EMO varies from 19th September to 1' October. On an average two critical dry spells (CDS) was observed during the monsoon season with duration of 12 to 17 and 13 to 27 days. The maximum crop water requirement is observed for rice and sugarcane during two CDS. The maximum 75% dependable flow is observed in August whereas the minimum 75% dependable flow is observed in May. The runoff deficit years are 1991 and 1997 at Hirnakheri, 1990 and 1997 at Chand and 1991 at Ramakona.
