Monsoons likely to revive after Sep 17; Kharif acreage increases further

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) expects above normal rainfall this month. Till first fortnight of September the Department has forecast deficient rainfall in most parts of India, including northwest and central regions of the country. But IMD is optimistic in context to monsoons likely to resume after September 17th. Normal to above normal rain has been predicted by the IMD in Kerala, Karnataka and coastal areas of Maharashtra around and after September 17.

As per the IMD’s weather update withdrawal of monsoon may begin from western parts of Rajasthan in the week ending September 18. Usually monsoons in India start withdrawing around September 17. The National weather department i.e. IMD reported last week that there was excess rainfall in the month of June while July month experienced deficit. On the other rainfall recorded in August was slightly in excess.

Good monsoons this year have helped farmers in carrying the planting operations comfortably therefore production of Agricultural crops is likely to increase versus last year. A record progress of area coverage has been reported under Kharif crops according to the Agriculture Ministry. Weather reports say that till date Monsoon rain over the country is 8% in excess since June 1 with 1% in excess over east and northeast India. It is 10% deficient over northwest India but 16% in excess over central India. Over the South Peninsula rainfall is 21% in excess till now. Around 59 lakh hectare more sowing area coverage has been reported under Kharif crops in comparison to last year.

Kharif Cropped Area increases further

Government of India’s latest sowing reports conveyed that the net cropped area has increased by roughly 59 lakh hectares to 1104.54 lakh hectare areas so far. A year back, the corresponding period’s sown area was at 1045.18 lakh hectares. The Agriculture ministry reported area covered under Rice has now reached 402 lakh hectares as compared to around 374 lakh hectares during the corresponding period of last year. So year on year the area coverage has increased by 7.59 per cent.

Similarly Pulses seeded area has now reached 137.87 lakh hectares against 131.76 lakh hectare area of last year. Coverage of Coarse Cereals was reported 179.70 lakh hectare area against 177.43 lakh hectare of last year. Oilseeds cropped area is reported at 196 lakh hectare area as against about 177 lakh hectare last year – rise of 19 lakh hectares year on year.

A cool El Nino neutral phase has been detected by the weather department which indicates that the sea’s surface temperature is cooler than normal in the tropical Pacific Ocean. This condition is usually in indication of above-normal monsoon rains in the country. Thanks to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and State Governments for putting all possible efforts in successful implementation of mission programs and flagship schemes. The Agriculture Ministry has already given credit goes to farmers for timely action and adoption of technologies and taking benefit of ongoing government schemes.