Drought Characterization During Monsoon Months Based on Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) in Nuapada District, Odisha, India

Abstract

AbstractFrequent droughts experienced in World’s different parts due to the effect of climate change. It is a challenging situation considering wide variation of conditions leadings to drought. Therefore, better scientific analysis is necessary to forecast, monitor and manage the drought. In this study, Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) is computed because of its popularity across the World as an important indicator across space and time. Estimation of SPI 3 Aug and Sep drought value for Bodan, Khariar, Komna, Nuapada and Sinapali blocks of Nuapada District were found out for the interpretation of drought in the months of monsoon. This is achieved by using the rainfall data month wise for different blocks from 1983–2017. It was observed that, Bodan and Sinapali blocks experienced maximum number of total (moderate+severe+extreme) drought events based as per SPI 3 Aug as well as SPI 3 Sep. Highest severe drought events occurred in Nuapada and Sinapali blocks whereas maximum extreme drought events (2) detected by Khariar block as per SPI 3 Aug. Similarly, maximum events of severe (3) and extreme droughts (2) occurred in Bodna and Komna blocks respectively as per SPI 3 Sep. Also in this study, two threshold precipitation values were computed in monsoon months for the identification of agricultural drought. Agricultural drought threshold limit varied from 462.1 to 595.5 mm and 464.6 to 622.5 mm as per SPI 3 Aug and SPI 3 Sep values respectively. Maximum drought duration of 13, 18, 23, 21 and 17 months experienced by Bodan, Khariar, Komna, Nuapada and Sinapali blocks respectively. This analysis can guide different strategies on the management of water and also for planning of the crops in various blocks of Nuapada District.KeywordsDrought; standardized precipitation index; agricultural droughtNuapadaOdishaIndia