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With the state witnessing excess monsoon rainfall so far, the kharif sowing has picked up in different parts, though overall, the area under cultivation till date is marginally lower than the achievement in the same period last year.
The kharif crop cultivation has been undertaken in 5.86 million hectares (mha) till September 12, this year, which is slightly lower than 5.87 mha recorded a year ago, says the data compiled by the directorate of agriculture and food production (DA&FP), Odisha.
Sowing of kharif (summer) crops begins with the onset of southwest monsoon from June. Cereals have been sown in 4.095 mha of land compared to 4.11 mha covered during the same period last year. As on September 12, pulses have been sown in 0.647 mha, oil seeds in 0.224 mha, fibres in 0.15 mha, vegetables in 0.641 mha and spices in 0.101 mha.
Initially, the sowing operation got delayed due to the deficit rainfall in June, but it gained momentum in July, which witnessed excess rainfall, said an official.
In June, the deviation of rain fall was about (-)54.2 per cent which is categorised as deficient. July and August have witnessed excess and normal rainfall respectively. During September 1 to 12, the state has registered excess rainfall. Odisha had set a target to bring 6.15 mha of land under cultivation during the current kharif season. This comprises 4.11 mha for cereals, 0.96 mha for pulses, 0.45 mha for oilseeds, 0.17 mha for fibre, 0.36 mha for vegetables and 0.10 mha for spices.
It may be noted that the fertiliser companies have failed to supply the manure as per the allocated quantity.
The state agriculture department has asked fertiliser manufacturers to expedite the urea supply to the state and provide 70 per cent of the assigned quota by 15th September. The companies were also directed to make good for the last month’s shortfall.
