Deficientwinterrainmay add to agriculture distress

States such as Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat have been hit by water shortage. The worst impact of patchy winter rains has been on the Narmada basin, which lies in Madhya Pradesh.

Water stress during winters doesn’t usually result in a drought because 80% of rabi or winter-sown crops are mostly grown in irrigated areas. However, there could be productivity loss of up to 100 kg per hectare, especially in rain-fed or non-irrigated areas, said SD Attri, a scientist specialising in agricultural weather at IMD.

UP chief secretary Rajive Kumar has ordered potable water to be made available to parched areas of Bundelkhand through dedicated tankers.

The poor rains may have to do with lower sowing area this kharif.

At least nine students of a government middle school in Bihar’s Muzaffarpur district were killed and 10 others were injured when a speeding SUV ran them over while they were crossing the National Highway 77 after classes ended for the day.

Locals said while the police removed around nine bodies from the spot, at least a few children were still lying on the NH. Eye witnesses said blood stains and body parts were scattered at the site, which is part of a busy road connecting Muzaffarpur to north Bihar.

“So far, we can firm only nine deaths,” deputy police superintendent, Muzaffarpur East, Gaurav Pandey told HT, fearing the toll could rise since at least six children were in a critical state.

He said several officials were engaged in the rescue operation. Police said the incident occurred around 1.30 pm. The Dharampur Government Middle School is located along the NH.

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