Agri Buzz: Gujarat Cover Only 10% of Normal Kharif Area Due to Delayed Monsoon

Delayed monsoon along with receding water reservoir levels in Gujarat might reduce the kharif production in the state in the current season . The state has sown almost 10% of the normal area so far in the current year.

As per official data , Gujarat has received almost 19.7 mm rainfall till June 28 as against its normal 91.6 mm, which is 79% below the normal rainfall. The major divisions Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Mehsana and Surat have witnessed the deficit of over 87% lesser than usual rains till June 28, while Saurashtra and Kutch have reported the deficit of almost 70% so far. Therefore , Gujarat agriculture board has reported the total sowing acreage of around 9000 hectares so far in the current year , almost 10% of the normal sowing acreage of 90000 hectares. Agriculture board also stated that early sown crops such as cotton and groundnut are also in danger due to lack of irrigation facilities.

Moreover , decline in water reservoir in the state is also causing some problems to irrigated crops. As per latest release from state water resources minister, the total storage capacity of reservoirs in the state is 7.49 lakh million cubic feet (mcf), while the water available as of June 28 is 2.87 lakh mcf, i.e. 38.3% of the total capacity.