The Tiruchi district, which witnessed severe drought during the last three years, has surpassed the normal rainfall this year.
As per the records available with the agricultural department, it has so far received 810.36 mm as against the average rainfall of 761.5 mm in a year. With 31 days left in the year, there is a hope that it may touch 1000 mm.
The northeast monsoon (October, November and December) accounts for about 50 percent of average rainfall in a year. Since the onset of northeast monsoon, the district has recorded 374.3 mm as against the average of 356 mm.
In November, the district received a bountiful rainfall of 223 mm as against the normal rainfall of 117.7 mm. It is 106 mm more than the average.
Records further stated that the district recorded deficit rainfall for three consecutive years from 2012. While 559.15 mm recorded in 2014, 518.61 mm recorded in 2013. It was 518.71 mm in 2012.
It wan in 2011, the district received more than the average during the last four years. That year received 764.23 mm, which was just 3 mm more than the normal rainfall.
R. Chandrasekaran, Joint Director of Agriculture, Tiruchi district, told The Hindu the rain had brightened the prospects of standing paddy crop. Moreover, it had come handy for other crops such as maize, cotton and others. While maize was raised on 15,500 hectares and cotton on 13,000 hectares.
Uppiliapuram and Thuraiyur areas that witnessed continuous drought for three consecutive years had received good rain. Emberi, Chinna Eri, Periya Eri, Vengatachalapuram Eri, Siru Naavalur Eri in Uppiliapuram block had been overflowing. A few tanks in Musiri block had also been overflowing after a gap of five years.
Mr. Chandrasekaran said if the present rainfall pattern continued for a few more days, the total rainfall might touch 1,000 mm.
It was not only good for standing crops but also to recharge ground water level in non-delta regions of the district.
Rainfall
Meanwhile, heavy rain lashed several parts of the district on Monday. It received an average rainfall of 30.26 during the last 24 hours that ended at 8.30 am on Monday. While Kallakudi recorded 56.20 mm, Nandhiyar received 55.60 mm. Tiruchi town, Musiri, Samayapuram and Pullampadi also received good rain.
