Only 1% sowing completed in state due to delayed monsoon: Agriculture dept officials

Pune: Agriculture department officials said only 1% of kharif sowing has been completed till mid-June this year as the monsoon continues to remain inactive across the state. However, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting an increase in rainfall activity next week, officials are hopeful that sowing will gain momentum in many regions.In view of the delayed monsoon forecast, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has already appealed to farmers not to rush into sowing to avoid potential losses.“The department’s report showing that only 1% of sowing has been completed indicates that farmers have responded to the chief minister’s appeal and exercised restraint. Had they proceeded with sowing in the absence of adequate rainfall, they would have been forced to undertake resowing if the rains were further delayed,” a senior state agriculture department official told TOI.Many farmers have already suffered losses due to erratic weather conditions. Unseasonal rainfall in May damaged rabi crops in several parts of the state. Now, just as farmers have prepared for the kharif season, the monsoon’s advance has been delayed.Agriculture officials said they have already begun issuing advisories to farmers in anticipation of below-normal rainfall this season, citing the potential impact of the El Nino effect.

“Our department is using all available platforms to reach out to farmers and advise them to plan their agricultural activities in line with IMD forecast,” the official said.“Given the possibility of deficient rainfall this season, farmers in some regions are being advised to opt for short-term crops. They are also being encouraged to adopt effective water conservation measures to maximise rainwater harvesting and ensure its availability for agricultural use,” the official added.