Kharif crop: Sowing picks up after July rains in East Vidarbha

Though there was an inordinate delay in monsoon over Eastern Vidarbha with a dry spell in June, rains in July have helped farmers to go in for sowing, drawing them out of the drought-like situation looming over the region, according to agricultural experts.

Soyabean, Cotton, Tur pulses and Paddy are the main crop in this part of Maharashtra comprising Nagpur, Wardha, Chandrapur, Bhandara, Gondia and Gadchiroli districts.

In this month, about 10% of soya sowing was carried out in the first round since rains were not widespread but in patches. A big area was under dry patch earlier but now sowing of cotton, pulses has resumed. However, Paddy transplanting was little delayed in this region, experts said.

When contacted, State Agriculture Officer Archana Kadu told PTI that the total area meant for cultivation is about 4,83,000 hectares out of which sowing was done in 3,47,000 hectares (in the region).

Due to unpredictable weather and rainfall, the state government will as usual implement the National Crop Insurance scheme for Kharif this year.

The farmers get 80% cover for sugarcane growing and 60% for the rest of the crop.

The state government contributes between 45-70% while Centre's contribution is about five% and the minimum financial assistance is to the tune of 75%, official sources said.

The rainfall situation in Nagpur and Wardha besides other districts in East Vidarbha till now is good as compared to Amravati division in West Vidarbha.

Also, the Maharashtra Cabinet will take a review of situation in its meeting scheduled for July 30 on drought like situation elsewhere, official sources added.