Distribution of Weekly Rainfall and Probability Analysis for Crop Planning in Bastar Region of Chhattisgarh

Abstract

Daily rainfall data of 10 years (2004-2013) of Bastar were used for weekly analysis to study the rainfall distribution and the probability of occurrence. The CV was less than 20 per cent from 10th to 22nd standard week, indicated that the rainfall is consistent during this period. The above rainfall analysis showed that the crops could be recommended under rainfed condition between 22nd to 35th standard weeks as the rainfall is more consistent during this period as compared to 36th to 52nd and 10th to 21st standard weeks for summer ploughing, which fall under Southwest monsoon. The moisture requirement of crops could be met from 26th to 38th standard week as these weeks has the probability of 50 per cent for getting 20 mm of weekly rainfall. The analysis revealed that the drought-resistant finger millet, kodo millet, niger, horsegram and drought escaping little millet can be grown. Maize may be grown with supplemental irrigation of one or two to get the best yield out of available soil moisture as rainfed farming. Drought resistant short duration pulses and oilseeds can be grown within the growing period from 39th to 46th standard weeks.