Adilabad farmers turn to diesel engines amid rainfall deficit

Farmers are being forced to rely on diesel engines, once a major source of drawing water from wells, streams and tanks, to irrigate crops following scanty rainfall.

While the actual rainfall in Adilabad district was 680 mm against the normal rainfall of 1,000 mm, Nirmal district recorded 710 mm against its normal rainfall of 980 mm from June 1 to October 1. Both Adilabad



and Nirmal districts recorded rainfall deficits of 35 per cent and 25 per cent, respectively. The significant dip in rainfall can be attributed to the El Nino pattern.

Similarly, the supply of electricity for agricultural needs has been slashed drastically. Farmers are now getting electricity for seven hours a day. Interruptions in power supply have become a routine affair.