Rain Deficit 24% but Kharif Sowing Surges: Recovery Drivers
UPSC / SSC current affairs note
Why in news
India's cumulative rainfall deficit has widened to 23.8%, yet Kharif sowing acreage has recovered sharply, narrowing the gap with last year to 42.28 lakh hectares from 101.4 lakh hectares a week earlier. This surprising recovery despite deficient rains is significant for agricultural output and food inflation.
Background
Kharif crops are sown with the onset of the southwest monsoon (June-September). Adequate and well-distributed rainfall is critical for sowing. A deficit often raises concerns about production and prices.
Key facts
Cumulative rainfall deficit as of latest data is 23.8%.
Kharif sowing acreage gap with last year narrowed to 42.28 lakh hectares from 101.4 lakh hectares a week earlier.
The recovery in sowing is attributed to improved rainfall in some regions and farmer optimism.
Key Kharif crops include paddy, pulses, oilseeds, cotton, and sugarcane.
Sowing data is released weekly by the Ministry of Agriculture.
Despite deficit, sowing has surged, indicating adaptive measures or localized good rains.
Prelims pointers
- Kharif season: June-September
- Southwest monsoon accounts for ~70% of annual rainfall
- Ministry of Agriculture releases weekly sowing data
- Major Kharif crops: paddy, maize, jowar, bajra, tur (arhar), urad, moong, groundnut, soybean, cotton, sugarcane
Mains angles
- GS3: Impact of rainfall variability on agriculture and food security
- GS3: Role of government schemes (e.g., PM-KISAN, crop insurance) in mitigating monsoon risks
- GS3: Interlinking of rivers and water management strategies