There is good news for the farmers waiting to sow Kharif crops for monsoon. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi in its latest prediction has forecast a normal monsoon in the state. Though the official date of onset of monsoon in India and other parts would be declared later this month, the Met office said that the monsoon activity would be normal in Rajasthan.
Last year even average rainfall fetched good Kharif crops as at least 26 districts of the state received good rainfall while the rest of the areas had little rainfall.
The term ‘normal’ monsoon is used for a good monsoon season and thus the farmers in the state are elated with this monsoon report released by IMD, Delhi on April 26. However, western Rajasthan may have deficit rainfall.
“The prediction of IMD for the state is a good sign for Kharif crops. If the productivity increases it might also impact the assembly polls slated in the state in November. Good yield of crops will also decrease inflation which would certainly benefit the ruling party before it goes to polls,” said a political analyst on Sunday.
Even the agriculture department and its respective ministers are awaiting the dates to be announced by the IMD, Delhi about the onset of monsoon to decide on the sowing of Kharif crops. “We will discuss if we can increase per hectare sowing of Kharif in this season as monsoon would be normal in the state,” said an official with the agriculture department.
“We start sowing for Kharif by the second week of June. If the prediction of the Met department is right we will certainly increase the sowing area this year,” said Richpal Yadav, a farmer of Ajitgarh village in Sikar district.
Himmat Singh, an agriculture expert said, “If Rajasthan is going to witness a normal monsoon it would certainly provide favourable condition for Kharif crops and will contribute in improving the soil moisture in the subsequent winter season. In 2012 the soil moisture improved after good monsoon season, which was favourable for the Rabi yield (sowing starts in winters).”
He added, “Good rainfall tends to increase the productivity of vegetables and fruits, rice, sugarcane, millet, oil seeds and cotton. It will also increase the groundwater level and is likely to recharge the reservoirs in the state,” Singh added.
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