By IANS,
Shimla : Himachal Pradesh has received 33 percent less rainfall this monsoon.
“The overall monsoon was below average in most parts of the state. So far, the state saw 33 percent deficit rain,” meteorological office director Manmohan Singh told IANS.
“Only three districts – Una, Kinnaur and Kullu – experienced more rain than normal. Nine districts saw deficient rainfall,” he added.
Kinnaur district received 67 percent more rains that normal whereas Una and Kullu districts saw 28 and 10 percent more rainfall.
While there was 22 percent deficit rainfall in Shimla district, the figure is higher in Sirmaur (30 percent) and Chamba (73 percent).
Agriculture Director J.C. Rana said the deficit rainfall had severely hit crops, particularly in low and mid hills.
Himachal Pradesh has declared the entire state drought-hit and pegged the horticulture and agriculture losses at Rs.872.36 crore.
Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal earlier this month met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi and sought Rs.608.13 crore central assistance for carrying out drought relief.
Agriculture is the main occupation of the people in the state, providing direct employment to 69 percent of its workforce.
According to the state’s Economic Survey for 2008-09, 86 percent of the total land holdings are of small and marginal farmers, 13 percent are owned by semi-medium and medium farmers and 0.4 percent by big farmers.
More than 80 percent horticulture and agricultural activities here are rainfed.