Govt hopeful of bountiful kharif production after good monsoon

Pune: Good rainfall throughout the monsoon season in the state has triggered hopes of bountiful foodgrain production.The harvest of the kharif season is estimated to increase by 31 lakh metric tonnes, according to the state agriculture commissioner's advance estimate report following an inspection of crop growth and conditions in 36 districts.On average, kharif production in the state is 131.93 lakh metric tonnes. It is estimated to increase to 162 lakh metric tonnes this year. Maharashtra recorded good sowing of all crops in June, July, and Aug this year. The areas under sowing have increased to 144.92 lakh hectares against the average of 142.02 lakh hectares.Last year, the situation was grim due to the lack of rainfall. As a result, the overall production had dropped by 18% against the four-year average — a big blow for the farmers and govt.Vaibhav Tambe, chief statistician of the state agriculture office, told TOI, "The state has received surplus and timely rainfall in June, July, and Aug. As a result, sowing has increased, and the growth of all kharif crops is at a decent stage. Thus, the production, as per our existing assessment on the ground, will increase."The average production of rice/paddy per hectare is 20.28 quintals, which is estimated to increase to 24.37 quintals. Similarly, jowar production is estimated to increase to 11.42 quintals from 9.39 quintals, and bajra to 10.45 quintals from 8.9 quintals."The production of cereal is expected to be 70.24 lakh metric tonnes against the average 63.33 lakh metric tonnes. The production of pulses like tur, moong and urad is expected to go up to 16.56 lakh metric tonnes from 16.47 lakh metric tonnes," Tambe said. He added that the production of oil seeds, including groundnut, sesame and sunflower, is slated to go up to 75.35 lakh metric tonnes from 51.04 lakh metric tonnes.Increase in kharif crops production will help state farmers in the state get adequate foodgrains for their consumption as well as sale in the open markets. "It will certainly push the rural economy. Good kharif production paves the way for the rabi season, in which farmers in Maharashtra grow onions and other cash crops, including vegetables. It is a positive indication for the state," said a senior official.Some farmers' activists noted that excess production tends to fetch a lower price for farmers, and so, govt needs to have a plan in place to strike a balance. "The govt should ensure farmers get good prices for their produce. Otherwise, farmers will again face price crashes in the markets, and that would mean the good kharif will not go their way," said Shantaram Sarvade, a farmer activist from Khed tehsil.Other activists, meanwhile, predicted some damage to crops due to the withdrawal of the southwest monsoon. "The state agriculture department needs to be on its toes to tackle this challenge," said Sachin Holkar, an activist from Nashik. "They should issue timely weather warnings to each region to curb the extent of damage. The harvesting season will begin from Oct. Agriculture officials at tehsil and village levels must play a critical role in this preparation."