Paucity Of Rainfall In States Leads To Lower Kharif Sowing

India’s South-West monsoon continues to engulf the entire country resulting in higher rainfall at 1 per cent (above LPA) till 14 July 2023. However, paucity of rainfall in some states has kept kharif sowing lower compared with last year. 

Rice and pulses continue to register lower acreage. Region-wise, the Southern Peninsula and Eastern region have recorded lower rainfall and need further monitoring. In terms of subdivisions and states, 15 and 12 respectively have received deficient rainfall during this period (1 June-14 July 2023). 

Additionally, Prospects of El Nino occurrence seems more likely in the middle of the monsoon. Excessive rainfall in some regions also needs to be tracked as IMD continues to issue flood alert around the same.

As of 15 Jul 2023, the overall sown area of kharif crops have declined by (-) 2.0 per cent (-8.7 per cent in the previous week) compared with last year. Total sown area of coarse cereals has increased by 15.9 per cent led by Jowar (26.7 per cent) and Bajra (45.7 per cent).

Though, maize sowing was relatively lower at (-) 5.6 per cent compared with last year. Acreage of rice continues to be lower at (-) 6.1 per cent. However, the sowing has improved from previous week (-23.9 per cent). Cotton (-11.6 per cent) and Jute & Mesta (7.8 per cent) have registered much lower sowing this year.

Moreover, pulses sowing continues to be lower this year with Arhar recording a sharp decline (-38.2 per cent). On the other hand, Sugarcane and oilseeds sowing are higher than last year at 4.7 per cent and 1.6 per cent respectively.