This refers to the editorial "Monsoon trouble" (June 11). On two previous occasions, when there was a significant shortfall in rain, agricultural production did not fall. Rather than the amount of rainfall, it is the distribution of precipitation across the season that is more important for crops. Secondly, the crops taken from irrigated lands are less vulnerable to a shortfall in rain. There is a need to work diligently towards rainwater harvesting and conservation. Another point brought up by the renowned agricultural scientist, M S Swaminathan concerned agronomy. If there is a forecast of deficient rainfall, farmers tend to plant a less risky crop rather than an otherwise preferred cash crop that may require a lot more water.
Kishor Kulkarni Mumbai
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