Monsoon Reverses Deficit, Boosting Sowing Operations for Pulses and Oilseeds
By 2024-07-09 11:26:35
Monsoon Increases Oilseed and Pulse Sowing Operations and Reverses Deficit
With monsoon rains shifting from an 11% deficit on June 30 to a 2% surplus by July 8, sowing operations for Kharif (summer sown) crops have surged, pushing overall acreage 14% higher than the same period last year.
Recent data from the agriculture ministry reveals that as of last Friday, total sown area reached 378 lakh hectares, up by 47 lakh hectares compared to the previous year. This significant increase is largely driven by a 50% rise in the acreage of pulses and oilseeds. In contrast, the area dedicated to water-intensive paddy has increased by only 19%.
Despite a greater monsoon deficit in June this year (11%) compared to last year (9%), the acreage for Kharif crops was notably higher, with 59 lakh hectares (over 32%) more sown by June 28 this year compared to the same period in 2023. The total sown area as of June 28 was 240 lakh hectares, significantly up from 181 lakh hectares last year.
“Due to insufficient rainfall in June, farmers opted for less water-consuming crops like pulses (arhar) and oilseeds (soybean) over water-intensive paddy, leading to increased acreage this June,” said an official.
With a forecast of above-normal rainfall for July, further increases in sown area are anticipated. "Well-distributed rainfall from July to September should boost Kharif acreage beyond the normal (five-year average) for this season," the official added.
