As the South-West Monsoon departs the State with nearly normal rainfall, Agriculture Department expects record paddy production for the Kharif season this year. However, the department has also expressed concerns over negative impact of untimely and excess rain in some parts of the State saying that the gain of paddy was might result in loss of pulses crops.
As per the Meteorological Department, Jharkhand has witnessed almost normal amount of rainfall during monsoon season this year between June 1 and September 30 with nearly 10 per cent deficit, which is counted as normal. With more than two-third of districts receiving normal and evenly distributed rainfall, Agriculture Department is sure of getting this translated in bumper paddy production for the year.
“I have visited many districts during last couple of days and I am sure we are going to witness record paddy production which may surpass 55 lakh tons during ongoing Kharif season. We had witnessed paddy production of around 48 lakh tons last year. However, fall in pulses production might not be unexpected, as there has been sudden heavy rain in some paddy sowing areas,” said Agriculture Director Rajeev Kumar.
However, he added that the fall in pulses production was expected to be largely compensated with key pulses production districts like Palamu, Chatra, Garhwa and around where the State has witnessed moderate to low rainfall with a deficit of around 30 per cent. As per records, Palamu and Chatra have witnessed monsoon rainfall deficit of 21 percent and 32 percent relatively during period under consideration. Garhwa has remained only district with rainfall deficit of 56 per cent. But Kumar questioned authenticity of the data from Garhwa saying that saying that the data was gathered by central agencies and local authorities were having enough evidence to rule out any rain deficiency in the district.
“This deficit is expected to become boon for those areas as they have not faced cases of water-lodgings in pulses fields which is good for those crops contrary to the paddy fields which require sufficient rains at regular intervals. This is why I personally feel that even pulses production is not going to be hit so badly,” added Kumar.
Agriculture Scientist and Birsa Agricultural University (BAU) Professor of Agronomy R Thakur said that the monsoon had blessed the State with sufficient amount of rain, which must reflect on agriculture produce.
“Though pulses and vegetables’ production might remain under pressure in areas other than pulse rich areas like Palamu and Chatra. But as far as paddy and maize production is concerned, I am sure we are going to witness good numbers,” said Thakur.
He also said that post harvest numbers might differ, as it totally depended on area under cultivation. “There are lot many factors other than rain. We have no accurate data of crop sowing trends.
If that trend changes, we may see production varying from expectations. But monsoon has behaved well and overall scenario is positive in terms of some key Kharif crops,” added Thakur.