During the current Kharif season, Maize (corn) acreage has increased by 41% in Karnataka, the greatest producer of the coarse cereal, as farmers are seen bringing in more area under the coarse cereal crop. As of June 25, Kharif sowing had taken place on 28.17 lakh hectares (lh) of the projected 77 lh in the State.
Maize sowing was completed in 7.47 lakh ha as of June 25, 41% higher than the corresponding 5.30 lh a year ago. The goal area for Maize this Kharif in the state is 11.84 lh, and sowing has already begun in around 63% of the intended area. Maize planting is complete for 6.31 lh of the 8.72 lh rainfed area. Maize was sown in 1.16 lh of the targeted 1.16 lh in irrigated conditions.
Also Read: If low rainfall persists, it might force re-sowing of vital Kharif crops
Good Rainfall
So far, good pre-monsoon showers and well-distributed monsoon rainfall have assisted Kharif sowing in the state. Rainfall was 31% greater in June, reaching 405 mm, compared to the typical of 310 mm for the month. The key maize growing areas of Davangere and Chitradurga in south interior Karnataka received 81% and 45% higher rainfall than typical in June, respectively.
According to official sources, the Kharif sowing has been going well so far. Total acreage is up roughly 8% compared to the same time last year.
Also Read: Pakistan emerging serious competitor to India in world Maize market
Increased acreage for pulses
Oilseeds and pulses, among other crops, have expanded modestly in the area compared to last year. Pulses were sowed on 7.33 lh, up from 7.30 lh at the same period the previous year. The target area for pulses is 21.07 lh, with tur acreage at 14.31 lh. Tur has so far been planted in 3.31 lh, which is somewhat less than the previous year’s 3.34 lh. Moong, also known as green gram, was sown in 2.75 lh as opposed to 2.69 lh.
Total oilseed acreage increased
Total oilseed acreage has increased to 4.53 lh from 3.93 lh in the same time the previous year. This year’s oilseed goal area is 10.67 lh. Farmers are found preferring soybean, groundnut, and sunflower. Till June 25, soybean had been planted in 2.69 lh (2.47 lh during the same period the previous year), groundnut in 1.07 lh (0.84 lh), and sunflower in 0.57 lh (0.36 lh).
Cotton planting has been slow, with the fibre crop planted in 1.65 lh compared to 2.39 lh in the same period last year. This year, the state plans to plant 7.30 lh of cotton during the Kharif season. Planting of grains like paddy, jowar, ragi, and bajra, among others, has been slow so far.
Also Read: What is the purpose of MSP for the 2021-22 Kharif season crops?
Add Comment