SUITABILITY OF RAINFALL FOR KHARIF CROPS

In the study, analysis of 30 years of rainfall data revealed that normal kharif rainfall of 740.2 mm in the study area appeared sufficient for normal water requirement of the regional crops of semi-arid region of Gujarat. Based on the forward calculation, probability analysis and average of weekly rainfall for the period from 1988-2017 it was found that 29th SMW, 33rd SMW and 36th SMW sufficient rainfall is available at 38.52%, 34.92% and 31.37 % probability levels useful for pearl millet at flowering and maturity; which help enhance seed yield of major kharif crops of the region. For interculturing operation probability of occurrence of weekly rainfall <10 mm was found< 20% in 29th and 30th SMW week found suitable for pearl millet crop at tillering stage. Similarly, for plant protection measures probability of occurrence of weekly rainfall (<20 mm) was found to be 80 % suitable during 38th SMW for pearl millet to protect from eargot, semi-looper in castor and pink ball warm in cotton. The weekly rainfall analysis and pattern revealed that kharif crops like pearl millet, green gram and castor were found most appropriate for the region.