Mansoon News | Agriculture: Limited Sowing in Maharashtra Due to Rainfall Deficit

Mansoon News | The state of Maharashtra has witnessed a significant shortfall in rainfall this monsoon, with a recorded deficit of 53%. This has led to a delay in the planting of essential crops by farmers, resulting in limited sowing activities during June. By the end of the month, only 2.26 lakh hectares of land were covered, in stark contrast to the 12.49 lakh hectares planted during the same period last year.

In light of this situation, agricultural authorities are now pinning their hopes on the anticipated above-average rainfall in July, as forecasted by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). It is expected that the July rains will provide much-needed assistance in boosting farm activity in the region.

Among the crops, cotton has seen the highest planting area, with 1.57 lakh hectares sown this year compared to 4.52 lakh hectares by the end of June last year. Rice and other fine grains have witnessed seeding on over 65,680 hectares, as opposed to 98,866 hectares during the corresponding period last year. Authorities note that the previous year had more favorable conditions due to the state receiving ideal rainfall.

Agriculture Commissioner Sunil Chavan expressed optimism, stating that sowing activities are expected to pick up with the arrival of good rains in July.

Among the revenue divisions, Amravati has experienced the driest conditions, with only 51.7 mm of rainfall recorded compared to the typical average of 178.5 mm. Similarly, Aurangabad (65.7 mm), Pune (92.8 mm), and Nagpur (127.9 mm) have also witnessed below-average rainfall this monsoon. The only division that has received relatively more rainfall is Konkan, with 636.5 mm recorded compared to the typical average of 799.8 mm.

The monsoon season in Maharashtra this year has been far from ideal. Despite its onset on June 10-11, it had not progressed significantly beyond Ratnagiri by June 25. In light of this, agromet recommendations have advised farmers to commence planting activities only after the state has received sufficient rainfall.

At the end of June, oilseeds and pulses recorded the lowest seeding area in the state, with just 947 and 1,028 hectares respectively. In comparison, the figures for the same period last year were much higher, with 88,976 hectares for oilseeds and 59,454 hectares for pulses.

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