Adequacy of Rainfall for Crop Growing in Bikaner District

Abstract

The annual and weekly rainfall pattern of different stations in Bikaner district during 1901-1970 were analysed. The year to year variability as well as the variability in rainfall occurring during monsoon season are brought out, By working out the weekly water balances. the percentage probability of occurrence of crop growing season, moderate drought and severe drought are worked nut for different stations. The data regarding the commencement and duration of the growing season are also presented. The mean duration and growing season works out to be 8.3 weeks with the standard deviation of 5.5 weeks. Out of 70 years study water surpluses occurred in 13 years. The cropping pattern and yield of major corps in Bikaner district were related to annual and monsoon rainfall. Though the correlations are statistically significant. only 50% of variation in the yield is explained by the regression equation.