Vol. 9, Issue 9 (2020)

Author(s):
Rakesh Kumar Kushwaha, AK Singh, AN Mishra, SR Mishra, Alok Kumar Pandey, Arun Kumar and Suraj Kumar

Abstract:
District wise monthly rainfall data of Eastern Plain Zone of Uttar Pradesh recorded for the period of 1981 to 2017 were used under the present study. The total rainfall for the summer (March to May), South-West monsoon (June to September), Rabi (October - December) and winter (January - February) seasons were computed year wise for various districts of Eastern Plain Zone of U.P. The analysis was performed to assess the association between El-Nino episodes and rainfall and crop production & crop productivity of Eastern Plain Zone of UP. The average South-West monsoon rainfall, summer rainfall, winter rainfall, and total annual rainfall received during the years with El-Nino were found to be less as compared to normal years, In general, the South-West monsoon rainfall and the annual rainfall was found less during the El-Nino years. The average area, production, and productivity of crops were found to decrease during El-Nino years thereby indicating the risk associated with short duration crops grown under rainfed conditions during the Kharif season. The yield of long duration rabi crops like wheat, chickpea, pea, mustard, etc. grown either on residual soil moisture or irrigated were comparatively less affected during the El-Nino years. There is a need to enhance the agricultural production and productivity of crops during the El-Nino years. As the South-West monsoon rainfall and annual rainfall are likely to less than normal in the region. Short duration crops and varieties as main crops/intercropping system can be adopted in the zone. The productivity of Rabi crops can be improved by the judicious use of fertilizers and the adoption of insect pests & disease control during the early stages of its growth. Plantation crops like fruit and timber plants are likely to yield decline due to a decrease of pre-monsoon rainfall and therefore moisture conservation practices need to be adopted.