The farmers in the twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch are highly worried by semi-drought condition due to prolonged dry spell prevailing in the Pir Panchal region. According to the farmers there has been no rain in the last four months. “The wheat has not grown out of soil even as December is nearing its end,” the farmers said. Details collected from different areas by Greater Kashmir revealed that the farmers are tense fearing a complete crop loss in this season due to shortage of rain. "Presently season is of wheat crop. In most of the areas of Rajouri and Poonch, farmers grow wheat. “Generally the wheat is sown is last week of October and first two weeks of November but this time around the situation has changed completely due to severe scarcity of rains,” the farmers said. "In last four months there is no rain and all agricultural fields are dry," the farmers said adding that due to lack of rains, there is almost zero moisture in soil which has reduced agricultural productivity to minimal level. "Not only wheat, people even grow several vegetables for personal use and market sale which also need water but lack of rains has even affected this badly," the farmers said. They said if it rains in next one week it can bring some respite for farmers as it will not only end dry season but will also facilitate partial growth of wheat crop in fields. Meanwhile, beside farmers, some locals termed this dry season as prolonged one saying that they have not witnessed such a dry season in last two decades. "In my 71 years of age, I have witnessed such dry season only six to seven times and previous such prolong dry season was two decades ago," Kousahlya Devi said. She said that generally in November, rainfall for two or three times ensures end to dry season which lasts in October month but this year the situation is moving towards drought. To mention, Rajouri and Poonch districts have not witnessed any rains in last four months which has prolonged dry season in the area putting people, especially the farming community, in trouble. Source - http://www.greaterkashmir.com