Due to less sowing of Rabi crops in Rajasthan, there is a possibility of decline in production.

14-Dec-2024 01:40 PM

In Rajasthan, the major producer of mustard, barley, wheat, and gram, the sowing of Rabi crops has been significantly affected by unfavorable weather conditions.

Due to delayed and inadequate rainfall, the sowing pace has been slower than usual, and the total sowing area is expected to fall short of the set targets.

As of December 9, 2024, the area under wheat sowing was 88% of the target, but the actual area reached only 28 lakh hectares out of a planned 32 lakh hectares.

For barley, the sowing area increased by 5% from the target of 3.80 lakh hectares to 4 lakh hectares, while gram sowing was stuck at 87% of the target, with 19.60 lakh hectares out of a goal of 22.50 lakh hectares.

However, the most significant concern is the mustard crop, where the sowing area is 19% less than the target. The area under mustard cultivation stands at 32.70 lakh hectares, while the target was 40.50 lakh hectares. This reduction signals a substantial decline in production for all major crops in the state.

The sowing process for Rabi crops in Rajasthan, which began in October, is now nearing completion, leaving little room for any significant improvements in the sowing area.

The crops are also facing additional challenges due to a lack of rainfall and high temperatures, which could further hinder growth.

Winter rains are urgently needed to ensure the crops can thrive, as the current weather conditions are not favorable for their development.

If the weather and rainfall conditions do not improve soon, there is an increasing likelihood of reduced production of Rabi crops in the state.