Paddy cultivation, a major Kharif crop, has been severely affected in the Shambhuganj block of Banka district due to insufficient rainfall. Farmers are deeply concerned about the monsoon deficit. This year, the target for paddy cultivation was set at 11,128 hectares, but only 1,900 hectares have been planted so far. Many farmers have not yet started transplanting due to a lack of water in their fields. There is also a growing fear that prepared paddy nurseries in several areas might be damaged.

According to data from the Block Agriculture Department, the target for paddy cultivation across Shambhuganj's 19 panchayats is 11,128 hectares. In contrast, only 1,900 hectares have been transplanted, representing a small fraction of the set goal. Farmers fear that if there isn't significant rainfall in the coming days, paddy transplanting will be further hindered, adversely impacting production. Attempts to irrigate using private resources are proving costly due to rising diesel and electricity prices.

Regarding this situation, Shambhuganj Block Agriculture Officer Sankat Tiwari stated on Friday evening around 6 PM that it is still the season for rain, and the department expects sufficient rainfall soon. He expressed confidence that farmers would accelerate transplanting once the weather normalizes and the set targets would be achieved. The agriculture department is continuously providing technical advice to farmers. Currently, farmers across the block are awaiting good rainfall to complete paddy transplanting on time and ensure Kharif crop production is not affected.