Apprehension of disruptions to Rabi crop sowing

New Delhi: Deficient or scanty rainfall during the southwest monsoon season in certain states is not only damaging Kharif crops but also raising concerns about potential disruptions to Rabi crop sowing due to soil moisture depletion caused by high temperatures. Furthermore, if rainfall remains low in the coming period due to the El Niño weather phenomenon, there is a risk of increased pest and disease infestations affecting Rabi crops.

Crops such as wheat, barley, gram (chickpea), lentil, pea, mustard, and linseed are cultivated on a large scale during the Rabi season. Additionally, crops like paddy, maize, sorghum (jowar), moong, urad, sesame, sunflower, and groundnut are also produced.

Monsoon rainfall was deficient in several states, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. There are also states where rainfall was adequate in some regions but lacking in others.

This regional disparity in rainfall distribution could have a significant adverse impact on the sowing of Rabi crops; states such as Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat fall into this category. While there are high expectations regarding Northeast monsoon rainfall in South India, the threat posed by El Niño persists.