Kharif pulses sowing grows 11 per cent so far

NEW DELHI: Sowing of pulses has increased 11 per cent while paddy acreage has risen marginally by over 1 per cent so far this kharif season despite a deficient monsoon.

According to Agriculture Ministry's sowing data released today, the area under coverage for paddy has moved up to 361.46 lakh hectares so far in this kharif season (summer-sown), from 357.47 lakh hectares in the year-ago period.

Pulse acreage went up to 108.37 lakh hectares, from 97.56 lakh hectares. Farmers are putting more area under this crop in view of a sharp rise in retail prices, which have gone up to Rs 150 per kg.

"The total area sown under kharif crops as on 4th September, 2015 has reached 998.67 lakh hectares compared with 979.40 lakh hectares last year at this point in time," an official statement said.

Coarse cereals' sowing area also increased to 179.48 lakh hectares so far this kharif season, from 170.42 lakh hectares in the same period last year.

In non-foodgrain category, area under coverage for oilseeds is up, but sowing has declined for cotton.

Oilseeds sowing went up to 178.55 lakh hectares, from 173.38 lakh hectares. However, the cotton acreage fell to 114.17 lakh hectares as against 123.70 lakh hectares.

Monsoon deficit was 22 per cent in August while overall deficit for this rainy season stood at 11 per cent at the end of last month, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD).