RAMESH SINGH, R.H. RIZVI, K.S. DADHWAL, K. KAREEMULLA AND R.S.YADAV
Abstract
The daily rainfall of 50 years (1947-1996) has been analysed for annual, seasonal, monthly and weekly rainfall to evolve profitable cropping system for Jhansi district of Bundelkhand region with a minimum risk to utilize the rainfall water efficiently. The analysis revealed that mean annual rainfall in Jhansi is 909 mm. Kharif, Rabi and Summer seasons received 819.5, 59.18 and 30.11 mm rainfall, respectively. The month of August is the wettest month, which receives on an average 301.82 mm rainfall with low variation of 46.39 per cent followed by July with average rainfall of 276.45 mm. The month of April receives lowest amount of average rainfall to the tune of 3.5 mm with highest variation of 255.73 per cent. It is observed that about 90 per cent of annual rainfall is received between 25"1 and 40"' meteorological week (MW) and average rainy days in a year were observed to be 43.4. Highest number of rainy days was recorded in 31st MW, while the highest rainfall was recorded in 33rd MW with an average rainfall of 80.4 mm. Probability analysis of weekly rainfall indicated that chance of getting any amount of rainfall in 1-24 and after 41st MW is below 50 per cent. For Kharif crop, field preparation may be done in 3rd week of June so that crops like Sorghum, Soybean and Groundnut can be sown in 4"' week of June. These crops may then be harvested by 3r" week of October. At the same time, Rabi crops like Barley, Gram, Mustard, Peas etc. may be sown so as to take advantage of residual moisture. Rainwater harvesting during monsoon season would help in irrigating the Rabi crops.