Reduction in Gujarat's Chickpeas Sowing During Rabi Season

Sowing of chickpeas (gram), a crucial Rabi pulse, has dramatically decreased to just 14,280 hectares in Gujarat during the current Rabi season, according to the latest data from the State Agriculture Department. This significant reduction not only falls below the average sowing area but also starkly contrasts with the previous year's figures.

The current sowing statistics reflect a drastic decline of 82.66% compared to the same period last year, where 82,385 hectares had been sown. Additionally, this year's figures lag behind the three-year average sowing area of 832,192 hectares, marking a 98.28% decrease.

Regional Focus: Saurashtra Leads Despite Challenges

In Gujarat, Saurashtra has emerged as the frontrunner in gram sowing, albeit with reduced figures:

• Saurashtra Region: Leading with 9,300 hectares sown.
  • Top Districts:
    • Rajkot: 2,400 hectares
    • Porbandar: 2,100 hectares
    • Surendranagar: 1,700 hectares
    • Bhavnagar: 100 hectares
• North Gujarat: Follows with a total of 2,700 hectares.
  • Leading District:
    • Patan: 2,500 hectares
• Central Gujarat: Contributes 2,000 hectares.
  • Major Contributors:
    • Dahod: 1,000 hectares
    • Ahmedabad: 900 hectares
• South Gujarat: Accounts for only 200 hectares.

The Causes Behind the Decline

The sluggish progress in gram sowing across Gujarat can be primarily attributed to unfavorable weather conditions and delayed farming activities. The substantial shortfall in Saurashtra and North Gujarat has significantly impacted expectations for a robust Rabi crop yield.

With sowing figures severely trailing behind both last year's data and historical averages, Gujarat faces formidable challenges in achieving its production targets for gram this season. Nonetheless, agricultural experts remain hopeful that improving weather conditions may encourage more sowing in the upcoming weeks. The State Agriculture Department is closely monitoring the situation and is prepared to support farmers to mitigate the impact of this season's poor performance in gram cultivation.

Conclusion

This season's gram sowing data in Gujarat paints a stark picture, with Saurashtra and North Gujarat making the most effort but still falling short. The next few weeks are critical for the state’s agricultural prospects, as targeted support and favorable weather could potentially turn the tide for Rabi pulse production.





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