Lack of soil moisture impacts wheat sowing

Mumbai: Compared to last year, the area under cultivation for wheat—the most important food grain—is likely to see a decline of 5–10% during the current Rabi season. While farmers in states like Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan should not face significant difficulties in sowing wheat due to adequate soil moisture, conditions are not entirely favorable for sowing in several parts of states like Bihar, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.

Water scarcity in certain parts of the country may compel farmers to prioritize other crops over wheat. Industry analysts suggest that farmers might focus more on sowing crops that require less water for irrigation.

However, the government holds substantial wheat stocks, ensuring that a minor dip in the upcoming harvest will not pose a serious threat to national food security.

Trade analysts indicate that farmers in parts of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra may consider reducing the area dedicated to wheat cultivation. According to Navneet Chitlangia, President of the Roller Flour Millers Federation of India, the wheat acreage is likely to shrink somewhat during the current Rabi season due to various factors. Farmers are dissatisfied with the fact that the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for wheat has been raised by less than 1% this time.