the poor monsoon in several parts of the country has affected kharif crop prospects, according to officials at the environment ministry. The worst affected are oilseed crops like groundnut and soybean. Luckily for farmers, there was ample rainfall for major crops like rice, pulses and sugarcane and there is no reason to worry about their output, ministry sources said. However, reports from Punjab say that kharif prospects are bright in the state despite scanty rainfall.
The production of coarse cereals has been on the downswing during the last few years, despite good successive monsoons. The agriculture ministry is yet to make a firm assessment of damage to crops due to the lack of rainfall.
"We are watching the situation closely. We have a defined timetable for making crop assessments and we are in no hurry to scale down the targets yet," said a official at the agricultural ministry. However, the renewed monsoon rains in the last seven days has brought new hope.
We are a voice to you; you have been a support to us. Together we build journalism that is independent, credible and fearless. You can further help us by making a donation. This will mean a lot for our ability to bring you news, perspectives and analysis from the ground so that we can make change together.
.png)
Comments are moderated and will be published only after the site moderator’s approval. Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name. Selected comments may also be used in the ‘Letters’ section of the Down To Earth print edition.