The pace of sowing of Rabi crops is increasing but the situation is weak in South India
12-Nov-2024 01:53 PM
The pace of sowing of Rabi crops is increasing across most parts of India, but there are regional challenges, particularly in South India. While states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh are seeing a robust increase in wheat sowing, the situation is weaker in southern states such as Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, where ongoing rains are causing delays.
Farmers are facing difficulties due to waterlogging and high moisture content in the fields, especially for crops like gram, which are sensitive to these conditions.
This has led to a shift in focus towards crops like urad (black gram), which is in demand due to its high market price and a longer sowing window.
Urad is traditionally grown in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, and these states are expected to increase their sowing area for it in the Rabi season, compensating for potential delays in other crops.
The domestic prices of pulses like tuvar, urad, and gram were very high last season due to low production, and imports were required to meet demand.
This year, however, the production of tuvar and moong is expected to rise, and while urad production may be lower in the Kharif season, farmers are likely to prioritize it during Rabi due to its lucrative price.
In the western states, wheat sowing is progressing well. The price of wheat remains higher than the government support price, encouraging farmers to expand wheat cultivation.
Rajasthan, in particular, has seen a significant increase in wheat sowing area, with the area jumping eightfold compared to last year.
The state has set a target of sowing wheat in 32 lakh hectares, with sowing now also underway in Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh.
Alongside wheat, sowing of other Rabi crops like mustard, barley, lentils, and peas is also gaining momentum in many regions.
However, the overall pace of sowing could be impacted if the rains continue in the southern states, as the soil conditions may not be ideal for timely planting of certain crops.