NEW DELHI, 14 September 2020: Record progress of area coverage reported on 1104.54 lakh ha area compared to the corresponding period of last year 1045.18 lakh ha.
Sowing of rice still continues while sowing of pulses, coarse cereals, and oilseeds is almost over. The final sowing figures for the Kharif season are expected to be closed on 1 October 2020.
Rice: Sowing of Rice has been reported on 402.25 lakh ha compared to 373.87 lakh ha during the corresponding period of last year i.e. increased in area coverage by 7.59 percent.
Pulses: Pulses on 137.87 lakh ha against 131.76 lakh ha area of last year i.e. increased in area coverage by 4.64 percent.
Coarse Cereals: Coverage of Coarse Cereals reported on 179.70 lakh ha area against 177.43 lakh ha area of last year i.e. increased in area coverage by 1.28 percent.
Oilseeds: Oilseeds 195.99 lakh ha area against 176.91 lakh ha area of last year i.e. area coverage increased by 10.79 percent.
Sugarcane: Sugarcane on 52.46 lakh ha area against 51.75 lakh ha area of last year i.e. increased in area coverage by 1.37 percent.
Cotton: Cotton area coverage reported on 129.30 lakh ha area against 126.61 lakh ha area of last year i.e. increased in area coverage by 2.12 percent.
Jute & Mesta: Jute & Mesta on 6.97 lakh ha area against 6.86 lakh ha area i.e. increased in area coverage by 1.68 percent reported in the country.
There is no impact of COVID-19 on progress of area coverage under kharif crops as on date. Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and State Governments have put all efforts in successful implementation of mission programs and flagship schemes.
The timely prepositioning of inputs by Government of India like seeds, pesticides, fertilizers, machinery and credit has made it possible for large coverage during pandemic lockdown conditions. Credit goes to farmers for timely action and adoption of technologies and taking benefit of government schemes.
Progress of area coverage under Kharif crops as on 11.09.2020
| S. | Crop | Area Sown in lakh ha | % Increase | |
| 2020-21 | 2019-20 | 2019-20 | ||
| 1 | Rice | 402.25 | 373.87 | 7.59 |
| 2 | Pulses | 137.87 | 131.76 | 4.64 |
| 3 | Coarse cereals | 179.70 | 177.43 | 1.28 |
| 4 | Oilseeds | 195.99 | 176.91 | 10.79 |
| 5 | Sugarcane | 52.46 | 51.75 | 1.37 |
| 6 | Jute & Mesta | 6.97 | 6.86 | 1.68 |
| 7 | Cotton | 129.30 | 126.61 | 2.12 |
| Total | 1104.54 | 1045.18 | 5.68 | |
As on 10.09.2020, actual rainfall received in the country is 828.6 mm against the normal of 777.3 mm i.e. departure of (+) 7 percent during the period from 01.06.2020 to 10.09.2020.
As reported by Central Water Commission, as on 10.09.2020, the live water storage available in 123 reservoirs in the country is 102 percent of live storage of the corresponding period of last year and 118 percent of storage of average of last ten years.
Image credit: Indianexpress.com
