Parts of central, eastern and southern India have been lashed by heavy rain since past few days which created havoc situation in harvesting Kharif crops. While all-India cumulative seasonal rainfall is 5 percent above normal, central India has recorded 24 percent excessive rain, causing floods in many areas.
As per the report, Madhya Pradesh is the worst-hit states in central India which raises concerns not only about delays in harvesting Kharif crops, particularly soybean and pulses, but also about their quality and yield.
As per the recent report, Southern India witnessed 15 percent above normal rainfall which favors crop growth while northwest, east and northeast regions rains are still below normal.
Decrease in Soybean
The soybean crop this season (September- October) may be lower than the past year due to the relentless rain in Madhya Pradesh, the largest grower of the oilseed in India. Output figures and the extent of losses, however, will be confirmed by mid-October.
Cotton Output is Satisfactory so far-
Cotton output in 2019-20 may be higher than in the current season, as acreage is reported to be 5 percent higher. The conditions for yield are also better, except for minuscule losses in a few states.
On the other hand, rice acreage, as well as yield, would be lower due to deficient rains in the paddy belt of east India. The output of pluses is also expected to be hit due to lower acreage and yield. Moong would be the most affected Kharif pulse crop, while losses in tur would be minimal.
Delay in sowing Rabi Crops-
Delay in harvesting Kharif crops may result in late sowing of rabi crops for winter-grown commodities, particularly channa and mustard seed. NAFED has begun selling both these commodities, however, and thus markets would be adequately supplied.
