MUMBAI (Commoditiescontrol) - In its latest crop advisory/contingency measures, ICAR-Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research has issued, has suggested farmers (particularly from the Madhya Pradesh) to undertake sowing of sunflower instead of soybean, green gram and black gram to avoid risk of crop failure.
The Hyderabad based oilseed research Institute suggested of carrying-out usual work necessary for sowing purpose necessary for sunflower, sesame and castor sowing.
The institute issued the advisory in view of deficient rainfall in the country, particularly in major oilseed growing regions.
It has acknowledged weakening of monsoon in recent times after covering whole country till June 26th. During June 1 - July 12, the country as a whole received 266 mm rainfall, which it maintained to be 2 per cent below the normal range of 271 mm.
Further explaining rainfall pattern, the institute mentioned that out of 36 meteorological divisions in the country, 11 sub-divisions are facing deficit rainfall conditions. While 17 regions has received normal rainfall, 8 sub-divisions have witnessed excess rainfall.
Rainfall in the oilseed growing regions depicted varied pattern so far. South interior Karnataka (252 mm) received 10 per cent excess rainfall; North interior Karnataka (98 mm) and coastal Karnataka (982 mm) received 36 and 25 per cent deficit rainfall, respectively.
Vidarbha (285 mm) received normal rainfall; Konkan (1129 mm) and Madhya Maharashtra (183 mm) and Marathwada (124 mm) regions received deficit rainfall (22 per cent, 23 per cent and 40 per cent deficit rainfall respectively, compared to normal). Saurashtra and Kutch region received 136 mm rainfall (10 per cent deficit) whereas Gujarat region received 138 mm rainfall (47 per cent deficit).
Clearly, Gujarat is worst effected region during the current monsoon season. That should spread negative news for cotton & groundnut cultivators.
As regards Castor seed planting, the institute has advised to undertake normal / conservative practice such as mulching (organic way of retaining soil moisture and safeguarding soil nutrient quality) in north Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh (ideally instead of green gram, soybean & black gram) to reduce risk of crop failure.
Similarly, cultivation activity can be carried out for Sesame and Sunflower. In case of sesame crop thinning should be done to remove excess seeding per hill, the release mentioned. It suggested of intercultural operations, weeding and gap filling in early sown crops to conserve soil moisture and to maintain optimum plant population.
While sowing of sesame in north Karnataka, it suggested efficient use of available soil and water resources and hence achieve higher returns. The institute recommended sowing of Pigeonpea + Sesame in 1:2 or 2:4 row proportion.
Finally, the institute has recoginised the use of adequate fertilizer for improving yields. "Provide adequate and balanced nutrition of N,P,K,S and limiting micro-nutrients based on soil testing. Provide SSP as source of P." it mentioned before rounding-up the advisory.
(By Commoditiescontrol Bureau; +91-22-40015533)