The South-West Monsoon has so far been above normal in most parts of the country. This could perhaps result in a bumper kharif crop this season, especially foodgrain. According to India Meteorological Department, the country has received 16 per cent excess rains since the onset of monsoon. However, West Bengal and the North-East have received deficient rainfall. At least 55 per cent of the total cultivable area in the country depends on rain.The early onset of monsoon this year has resulted in higher sowing of kharif crops. According to reports, until July 26, a total of 747.78 lakh hectares have come under various crops compared with 635.05 lakh hectares during the corresponding period a year ago. The area under cotton, oilseeds, coarse cereals and pulses has surged, while that of sugarcane trails.

Hike in acreage

The total area under cotton has increased to 105.06 lakh hectares this year, led by Maharashtra and Gujarat. Taking advantage of bountiful monsoon, oilseed farmers have taken up cultivation in a big way, resulting in a rise in acreage at 167.15 lakh hectares against 138.3 lakh hectares last year. The acrea under groundnut and soyabean has doubled in a few producing States.

In Gujarat, groundnut planting is almost over with the area under the crop touching 16 lakh hectares against 7 lakh hectares a year ago.

Soyabean in Madhya Pradesh, which accounts for more than 50 per cent of the nation’s production, has reported twice the area in acreage. Till mid-July, coarse cereal sowing was 149 lakh hectares against 148.82 lakh hectares a year ago.

Improved rainfall encouraged 50 per cent higher sowing in pulses. Farmers have planted pulses on 74 lakh hectares against 39 lakh hectares same period a year ago.

Paddy is undoubtedly the principal crop during the kharif season, but so far paddy cultivation is lagging in West Bengal due to lower rainfall. The State has reported a 20-40 per cent lower rainfall in main rice growing areas, affecting paddy transplantation. Anyhow, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana and Punjab are reporting higher acreage in paddy. A shrink in acreage of sugarcane in Maharashtra and Karnataka may influence the sugar industry also.

The Monsoon’s progress has helped double the storage level in the 85 major reservoirs in the country. It could have a positive impact on the entire agriculture and livestock industry.

(The author is Whole Time Director, Geojit Comtrade. The views are personal)

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