Kharif Season in India: Are Farmers Expecting a Bumper Harvest?
Kharif Sowing Up by 2% as Paddy and Pulses Acreage Expands
As of August 30, India's kharif sowing across all crops reached 108.733 million hectares, marking a 2% increase from 106.689 million hectares in the same period last year, according to the Agriculture Ministry. The government remains optimistic about a bumper harvest this year, thanks to a combination of increased sowing area and favorable rainfall across the country. However, with predictions of above-normal rainfall in September, policymakers are closely monitoring the weather to ensure these conditions do not adversely affect crop yields.Paddy and Pulses Lead Kharif Sowing Gains
Paddy sowing has shown significant growth, increasing by 4% to 40.872 million hectares as of August 30, compared to 39.357 million hectares in the previous year. This marks the achievement of over 100% coverage in its normal kharif area. Additionally, pulses acreage has risen by 7% to 12.513 million hectares, up from 11.666 million hectares last year. This includes an increase in Arhar dal (Pigeon Pea) to 4.578 million hectares from 4.074 million hectares, while Urad dal (Black gram) saw a slight decrease to 2.962 million hectares from 3.142 million hectares. Moong (Green gram), however, expanded to 3.476 million hectares from 3.088 million hectares, highlighting the overall positive trend in pulse cultivation.Soybean Sowing Completes, Bumper Harvest Anticipated
The coverage of oilseeds has also increased, reaching 19.063 million hectares this season, compared to 18.883 million hectares last year. Soybean sowing is particularly promising, with an increase to 12.511 million hectares from 12.385 million hectares, and industry officials are hopeful for a bumper harvest, provided there is no excessive rainfall. Groundnut sowing has also expanded to 4.749 million hectares from 4.339 million hectares. The first estimate of kharif crop production is expected to be announced by the Agriculture Ministry later this month.In the category of ‘Shree Anna’ (nutri cereals), the area has increased to 18.774 million hectares from 18.106 million hectares. Corn acreage grew to 8.727 million hectares from 8.286 million hectares, and Jowar (Sorghum) to 1.516 million hectares from 1.406 million hectares. However, Bajra (Pearl millet) sowing has slightly decreased to 6.955 million hectares from 7.081 million hectares, while Ragi (Finger millet) saw a 27% increase and other small millets experienced a 5% rise.
Monsoon Boosts Kharif Crops, But Cotton and Jute Lag
The country has experienced 768.2 mm of rainfall between June 1 and September 2, which is 8% above the long-period average (LPA) of 714.3 mm, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). This has generally benefited kharif crops, with sugarcane sowing slightly increasing to 5.768 million hectares from 5.711 million hectares. However, cotton acreage has decreased to 11.174 million hectares from 12.311 million hectares, and jute-mesta has also seen a reduction, falling to 0.570 million hectares from 0.656 million hectares.India’s kharif sowing season has shown positive growth, particularly in paddy, pulses, and oilseeds, thanks to favorable monsoon conditions. However, challenges remain in certain crops like cotton and jute, which have seen reduced acreage. As the season progresses, the focus will be on managing weather risks and ensuring a successful harvest.