Bringing rain in Marathwada: Cloud seeding project to continue for 90 more days
The project, issued through a tender, was awarded to Bangalore-based Kyathi Climate Modification Consultants, in collaboration with a similar firm from the United States.
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Even though the government’s cloud seeding project to bring about artificial rain in drought-hit Marathwada has not yielded any result, Minister for Agriculture and Rehabilitation Eknath Khadse has decided to continue the expensive experiment for at least 90 more days.
In a candid admission, Khadse said, “It is worrisome that there has been no rain in Osmanabad district in spite of the cloud seeding project.” He, however, said Latur and Beed districts have seen rain, varying between 5mm and 30 mm, due to the project. The government has allocated Rs 27 crore, excluding the cost of hiring a pilot and a plane that comes up to a minimum of Rs 3 lakh per day, for the project.
Cloud seeding will start in Aurangabad, Jalna, Parbhani and Solapur in the next few days.
The project, issued through a tender, was awarded to Bangalore-based Kyathi Climate Modification Consultants, in collaboration with a similar firm from the United States.
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Khadse said, “The advanced technology adopted for cloud seeding is handled by pilots hailing from the US. Everything, from aircraft to Doppler radars, have been procured from abroad.”
Explaining the logic behind his decision, Khadse said, “Even 5 mm of rainfall can help prolong the life of a crop for at least seven to 10 days. If the crop grows, it can still be used as animal fodder.”
He added, “Let us not worry about the Rs 27 crore invested in the project. It is a small amount to pay for fighting the drought situation. Last year, Rs 2,000 crore was spent only to rescue and rehabilitate the drought-hit people in Marathwada.”
However, sources in the Indian Meteorological Department said, “Rainfall in the past one week is the outcome of the revival of monsoons in the state and not cloud seeding.”
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