In the backdrop of a capricious monsoon, farmers have adopted diverse cultivation strategies, with paddy cultivation witnessing a notable surge during this kharif season. In contrast, the acreage allocated for pulses, cotton, and oilseeds has exhibited a decline. The latest agricultural ministry data, unveiled on Friday, underscores that the overall kharif sowing escalated by 3.6% in comparison to the previous year, encompassing a substantial expanse of 105.4 million hectares.
Noteworthy in this context is the commendable 16.2% escalation in paddy cultivation, reaching an expanse of 38.4 million hectares. Conversely, pulses acreage experienced a dip of 10.6%, settling at 11.7 million hectares. This decline encompasses a 2.3% reduction in tur (pigeon pea) cultivation and an approximate 5% contraction in urad (black gram) cultivation, two primary constituents of the kharif pulses matrix, both of which have witnessed price hikes this season. Moong cultivation area also experienced a shrinkage of 2.7%, spanning 3.1 million hectares.
The trajectory of cotton and oilseeds cultivation encountered a decline of about 3% and 2% respectively. Cotton cultivation was pursued over 12.2 million hectares, and kharif oilseeds found a habitat over 18.8 million hectares, encompassing 12.4 million hectares under soya bean and 4.3 million hectares under groundnut. Within the realm of millets, the cultivation area of jowar endured a marginal 1.2% contraction, spanning 1.3 million hectares. Notably, the pace of sowing maize, followed by ragi and bajra, has witnessed a commendable augmentation.
Against this backdrop, agricultural experts have expressed concerns regarding the implications of lower rainfall in August and declining reservoir levels on crop yields. Deficient rainfall during June led to delayed sowing, thereby influencing the crop cycle of pulses, cotton, paddy, and maize to traverse into the vegetative phase during August. The ongoing subpar precipitation is anticipated to exert negative influences on yields, stemming from stunted vegetative growth, pest infestations, and compromised flower setting across various crops.
This year’s monsoon season, vital for India’s agricultural sustenance and economic vigor, has been characterized by 7% below-normal rainfall levels from June to August 25. The monsoon plays a critical role in replenishing reservoirs, sustaining aquifers, and driving agricultural productivity. However, the deficit in rainfall has prompted concerns, particularly in the context of the water levels in major reservoirs, which are now 21% lower than the levels observed in the previous year. Over 50% of India’s arable land relies on rainfall, making it crucial for agriculture. The weakening monsoon over the past week has exacerbated the decline in reservoir water levels.
As of now, the water levels in 146 reservoirs amount to 64% of their total capacity, a percentage significantly lower than the levels observed during the same period last year. The situation has prompted agriculturists to express apprehensions about the potential impact on crop yields. The forecast of heavy rainfall in certain regions is expected to mitigate some of the challenges posed by the current water deficit.
Consequently, the agricultural sector is navigating the intricate interplay between monsoon dynamics, water reservoir levels, and crop yield predictions, underscoring the intricate synergy between nature and agriculture.
