Marginal decline seen in area under rabi crop
Sowing of wheat, rice and pulses lags behind last year’s trend; cereals, oilseed crops see higher distribution
New Delhi: The ministry of agriculture said there had been a marginal decline in the area in which rabi crops had been sown as of Friday, raising concern about its impact on the harvest.
Rabi crops have been sown across 54.22 million ha since mid-October, compared with 54.70 million ha in the same time last year, the ministry said.
The sowing of wheat, rice and pulses is lagging behind last year’s trend; the sowing of cereals and oilseed crops is slightly higher. The sowing of wheat has come down to 27.27 million ha against 27.68 million ha at this time last year.
Experts believe the trend could be a cause of concern. “Late monsoons suggested a higher rabi crop than last year’s. The marginal decline may mean that the rabi crop will not be able to make up for the shortfall in the kharif crop this year," said Himanshu, an assistant professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University and a Mint columnist.
“So the expectations that a bounce back in the agricultural sector may help economic growth in an otherwise slower economy may not fructify. All eyes will now be on the remaining months of the season," he added.
Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!