Farmers in Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan are anticipating a significant rise in wheat yield this year, with expectations ranging from seven to 10%. This optimistic outlook is attributed to favourable weather conditions experienced throughout January, coupled with recent rains that have lowered temperatures, creating conducive environments for wheat cultivation.
Wheat Sowing Data Reveals Positive Trends
The Agriculture Ministry's sowing data for all Rabi crops for the 2023-24 season, indicated promising figures for wheat acreage. Compared to the previous year, wheat acreage has witnessed a slight uptick, reaching 341.57 lakh hectares (lh) as opposed to 339.20 lh in 2022-23. Notably, Uttar Pradesh, the leading wheat producer, has recorded a significant increase in sowing, surpassing 101.41 lh, marking a rise of over 4%.
This surge in Uttar Pradesh's wheat cultivation has helped offset the decline in coverage witnessed in Rajasthan and Maharashtra. Moreover, the acreage in Punjab and Haryana remains consistent with last year's figures. With an ambitious goal in mind, the government has set a target of 114 million tonnes for wheat production this year, reflecting confidence in the agricultural sector's capabilities to meet growing demands.
Increased Wheat Yield: Weather Patterns and Crop Outlook
India Meteorological Department (IMD) also supports this assertion, indicating favourable temperature trends across key wheat-growing regions. In Haryana, Punjab, and parts of Rajasthan, maximum temperatures have remained one to four degrees Celsius below normal, fostering optimal conditions for wheat cultivation. However, certain pockets in Uttar Pradesh have experienced slightly warmer temperatures, with variations ranging from 0.4 to 2.1 degrees Celsius above normal.
Minor Fluctuations in Minimum Temperatures
While maximum temperatures have largely remained favourable, some regions, particularly in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh, have observed minor fluctuations in minimum temperatures. On February 4, minimum temperatures were reported to be three to six degrees Celsius above normal in Punjab and Haryana, with similar trends observed in various parts of Uttar Pradesh.
Overall Rabi Crop Sowing Trends
Apart from wheat, the Agriculture Ministry's data also sheds light on overall Rabi crop sowing trends for the 2023-24 crop year (July-June). Despite minor fluctuations, the total area sown under Rabi crops has marginally increased to 709.29 lh, compared to 709.09 lh in the previous year. Notable changes include a decline in gram (chana) acreage, while lentil cultivation has witnessed a modest rise.
With farmers gearing up for a potentially bountiful season, all eyes are on the agricultural sector as it strives to meet production targets and contribute to the nation's food security.
