Widespread rains boost sowing, raise kharif hope in Gujarat

Timely as well as widespread rains in Gujarat has raised kharif sowing to almost 15 lakh hectare by June 24 compared to just 3.8 lakh hectare in the corresponding period previous year. With the weather department predicting ample rains in next five days, government officials and farmer representatives are hopeful that sowing and production will be better than last year. In 2018, rains were not only delayed, but erratic as well.

According to data of Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA), the state had received only 4.13 mm rains till June 17 in 2018 which rose to 15.39 mm till June 24. In 2019, however, there was 23.74 mm rain till June 17 and 51.33 mm till June 24. Thus, higher rains this year have raised the kharif acreage from 2.07 lakh hectare on June 17 to 14.99 lakh hectare on June 24, which is 2.93 times higher than 3.8 lakh hectare recorded on June 24 last year. Almost 15 lakh hectare sown till now is about 17.69 per cent of three-year seasonal average of 84.77 lakh hectare.

Cotton, the major kharif crop of the state, has been sown over 7.67 lakh hectare, followed by groundnut (6.01 lakh hectare), fodder (7.97 lakh hectare) and vegetables (2.14 lakh hectare).

A senior official in the state agriculture department said that the sowing scenario is very good and with the forecast of widespread rains, the situation will improve. "India Meteorological Department has informed us that two rain-bearing systems have been formed which can give rains to Gujarat in July. Rain and the sowing progress are a welcome change this year. In fact, Vayu proved to be a blessing in disguise as it was followed by regular onset of monsoon. So, this year, both sowing and production would be better than recent years," the official told DNA.

Jayesh Patel, president of Khedut Samaj – Gujarat said that it is necessary that it rains at regular interval to ensure that kharif season is good for farmers. "If we get intermittent showers, it will benefit sowing and the crops. Moreover, it is also necessary that there is enough rains in catchment areas of the major rivers so that dams have sufficient water for rest of the year," said Patel.