Kolhapur: The continuous precipitation in the region over the last five days has brought much relief to kharif crops struggling to survive.

"The district suffered a long dry spell in the last fortnight and that would have a negative impact on the final produce," the district superintendent of agriculture Bsavaraja Mastoli said. The first half of July and August is vital for crop growth. However, the district did not receive adequate rainfall in the first three months from the onset of monsoon.

Hearty showers in the last five days have brought cheer among kharif crop growers, especially paddy farmers. District superintendent of agriculture Bsavraj Mastoli said, "We were waiting for a good spell of rain that could boost crop growth. The downpour has broken the long dry spell that continued over the fortnight. Crop growth came to a halt in some Talukas which come under rain shadow area. Paddy requires continuous rainfall for growth. The dry spell had given room to weed outgrowth in paddy. Now the crops have adequate water for further growth." 

He further added that despite continuous rains, we are expecting a drop in the final produce,owing to the two long dry spells. The natural growth of the crops halted twice and it will reflect in final production. But the continuous rainfall would help minimise the potential loss.

The Kolhapur district is considered the sugar bowl of the state. Sugarcane farming requires a lot of water and one cannot expect a good harvest without good monsoon. Hence, continuous showers are a bonus to the crop.