Oilseeds production is likely to fall if monsoon rains remain below normal this year, which will result in higher imports of edible oil, an industry body said today.
The weather department today predicted "deficient" monsoon and revised its forecast from 93 per cent to 88 per cent Long Period Average (LPA), with north-west region of the country expected to be hit the most.
In 2014-15 crop year (July-June) oilseeds production is pegged at 27.38 million tonnes -- a decline of 5.37 million tonnes over the previous year.
"It is a matter of concern not only for farmers but for overall industry. If the monsoon turns out to be deficit as predicted the oilseeds production may fall and therefore edible oil imports may go up," Solvent Extractors' Association Director General B V Mehta said.
The total foodgrains production is also estimated to have declined by 5.25 per cent to 251.12 million tonnes in 2014-15 crop year.
Echoing the similar sentiment, Fertiliser Association of India Director General Satish Chander said, "Depending upon onset and spread of monsoon, it will have also bearing on the use of fertilisers by farmers."
The Met Department revised its forecast from 93 per cent to 88 per cent Long Period Average (LPA), with north-west region of the country expected to get affected the most.
In April, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) had forecast that monsoon rains would be 93 per cent of the average, which is categorised as "below normal". Now, with the revised projection of 88 per cent, the monsoon is categorised as "deficient".
India had received 12 per cent deficient rains in south west monsoon in 2014.
