After having remained scanty, recent rainfall across Gujarat has provided much needed momentum to kharif crops and sowing activity. Around 67 per cent sowing has been completed in the state and crops such as cotton and castor are poised to see rise in acreage this kharif season.
According to the data provided by the director of agriculture, Gujarat government, total 5.85 million hectares has been brought under various kharif crops till last week. The area stood at 6 million hectares during the same period last year.
“Comparatively the acreage as on date is tad lower this year due to scanty rainfall in the beginning of the season. However, recent rain has augmented the sowing activity,” government officials said.
Gujarat, which saw scanty rainfall till July 21, has received 303.9 mm at present as compared to normal 304.2 mm rainfall by July 24. Recent downpour has brighten the prospects for ongoing kharif season and farmers and traders as well as government sees increase in cotton and castor acreage. However, they refused to provide estimates for the production.
The area under cotton has increased to 2.16 million hectares as on date from 2.1 million hectares in corresponding period last year.
“Cotton prices surged substantially last year backed by strong demand in domestic and export markets. We expect the acreage to increase to 2.9 million hectares as against approximately 2.5 million hectares in kharif 2009,” said Arun Dalal, an Ahmedabad-based leading cotton trader.
Similar is the case with castor, prices of which jumped to a record level of Rs 750 per 20 kg this month. According to government figures 66,000 hectares have been brought under castor crop at present, which was nearly 49,700 hectares same period in 2009. “Considering the higher prices of the commodity and arrival of rain, castor acreage in the state is likely to increase by 25 per cent,” said Nilesh Shah, Ahmedabad-based leading castor expert and trader.
Despite lower acreage and production during rabi season this year, farmers have continued to opt for groundnut cultivation as well. Area under groundnut in the state currently stands at 1.57 million hectares, which is a little less than 1.58 million hectares last year. According to traders, groundnut crop is going to benefit from sufficient rain in Saurashtra region, one of main groundnut growing region in the country.
