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Bengal

Flower crisis likely during Durga Puja as cultivators eye huge loss over rain deficit

Kolkata: Flower cultivators from the districts of Howrah and West Midnapore are eyeing huge loss due to the scarcity in rainfall during the monsoon season so far.

The cultivators are apprehending that there may be a crisis of flowers during Durga Puja, if the situation continues for a long time. Inadequate rainfall and the humid conditions have given a major blow to flower cultivation in the districts.

The farmers who cultivate various flowers in Howrah's Bagnan, Kulgachia, Ghoraghata and Deulti areas, said that many of the flower plants have been damaged due to lack of sufficient rainfall in the district.

These flowers are delivered to various flower markets in Howrah and also to other districts. Due to the hot and humid conditions, the flower plants are gradually becoming pale and various insects are wreaking havoc on them.

Santosh Mondal, a flower cultivator of Bagnan, said the deficit in rainfall has already caused significant damage to their plants and hence they are eying a huge loss this season. The farmers from various parts of other districts are facing a similar fate as well.

Flowers are being cultivated on 150 acres of land in Bagnan and other adjoining areas. If the situation continues, there may be a scarcity of flowers during Puja this year.

It may be mentioned here that vegetable farmers from Ghatal, Daspur and other parts of the West Midnapore have also been affected by the continued heat spell and lack of rain. Bengal has received less amount of rain in June and July compared to the corresponding months of previous years due to the late onset of monsoon and irregularity in the rainfall. A huge quantity of vegetables has also been damaged because of the deficit in rainfall in other districts as well.

Paddy farmers from districts such as East Burdwan, Nadia, Murshidabad and North 24-Parganas have already complained about the damage to crops due to the high levels of humidity. The paddy cultivation has also been affected due to scarcity of rainfall.

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