Pulses Sowing Lags Substantially As Erratic Monsoon Impedes Kharif Crops: CMIE

Centre For Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) analysis suggested that the erratic southwest monsoon has hit the sowing of pulses in the country. According to the data, area sown under pulses was 8.6 million hectares till July 21, which is a decline of 9.8 per cent from the year ago period. 

CMIE said in its analysis that the erratic monsoon affected the area sown under kharif crops. Till July 14, acreage under kharif crops was lower than the year ago period. However, there has been a marginal pick up in sowing area as of July 21 as the number increased 1.2 per cent yoy to 54.8 million hectares. 

Data on rainfall across the country also suggested an erratic pattern of monsoon. According to CMIE, normal rainfall was seen in 37 per cent of the country between June 1 and July 19, while 26 per cent of area saw deficient rainfall in the same period. Excess showers were seen in the remaining 37 per cent area. 

Among the pulses, the major decline was seen in arhar’s area which decline by over 18 per cent compared to previous year. In other pulses, Urad saw a 9.7 per cent decrease in area sown while Moong witnessed a marginal 2.1 per cent decline. 

Excluding pulses, most of the Kharif crops have seen an increase in area sown from the levels seen in the previous year. However, CMIE analysis said that the concerns over yields still remain due to the skewed temporal distribution of rain. The data on rainfall is being closely watched this year due to the prediction of El Nino monsoon.