Crop loss due to heavy rainfall is a significant challenge for farmers across the world. Heavy rainfall can lead to long-lasting harm to crops and even complete crop failure. This could have devastating effects on rural communities that rely on agriculture as a source of income and food.
When there is heavy rainfall, the soil can become oversaturated, which can create stagnant water pockets that destroy plant roots. The excess moisture also increases the likelihood of plant diseases and fungi growth, which can spread quickly through the entire crop, resulting in crop loss. The fluctuating weather patterns due to climate change have led to unpredictable rainfall and increasing occurrences of natural calamities like floods, resulting in even bigger and destructive losses.
Excessive rainfall can also impact crop quality, leading to a reduction in yield. For instance, in the case of fruits and vegetables, the oversaturation of the soil can result in softer, less flavourful produce that spoils much faster. For grains, too much moisture in the soil can lead to weak stems and rust, a fungus that can drive down yields. This can lead to crop losses and lower profits for farmers.
When crop losses happen, farmers often experience notable financial hardships. They end up earning less income while their investment on inputs, seeds, fertilizers, and other resources go waste. In many cases, farmers borrow money to invest in crops, and the losses end up putting them in debt.
To mitigate crop losses due to heavy rainfall, farmers need to improve their agricultural practices. One practical step is to use organic farming, which can help to maintain moisture levels in the soil while also reducing the impact of rainfall on the crops. Farmers must also employ proper land management techniques like improving the soil structure by using cover crops and no-till systems to outcompete weeds and retain water and nutrients in the soil. Appropriate drainage systems must also be installed to minimise soil saturation, and soil nutrient management through fertilisation and the appropriate application of farming inputs can help maintain crop health and reduce disease.
In conclusion, heavy rainfall remains a significant challenge for farmers, leading to low income and food security around the world. However, by adopting new and sustainable agricultural practices, our farmers can reduce the impact of heavy rainfall on their crops and improve resilience against extreme weather conditions. It’s high time that we recognise the importance of the agriculture below reducing losses and providing quality food when it is around us.