JAIPUR (commoditiescontrol) - Farmers are a worried lot these days, especially from Rajasthan and Gujarat. Untimely rain have slashed this states recently, which is likely to have adverse effect on key crops, particularly on coriander, cumin seed, wheat and mustard.
Assessment of crop damage from the recent rain is possible only after the agriculture department of both states Rajasthan and Gujarat release their reports. Wheat, coriander, mustard and cumin seed crop are expected to have suffered damage from recent rain and hailstorm as these crops were ready for harvesting. Meanwhile, mangoes are also believed to have suffer huge damages.
According to agriculture experts, wheat plant grows to three to four feet tall while mustard plant rises to five feet. Due to their heights, these crops are damaged easily. Recent rains have left these crops half-broken in the field. Plants of gram, however, develop to just half feet so rain is less likely to damage crop. Although, wheat and mustard production may not be affected from the rain but quality will be affected. Yield may fall as well in the regions of Rajasthan where farmers have sown early crops. Rabi crops are harvested in March and April, as such rain-water is not required. Rain can damage the crops at the stage of developing and harvesting.
Mr Deeraj Singh, chief director of Bharatpur (Rajasthan) based Rapeseed-Mustard Research Institute observed that, “Recent rain could be more damaging for wheat instead of mustard. Grains have been developed in mustard and are matured for harvesting. Mustard grain can fall by the force of rain. Fungus may also be developed in mustard due to rain. It will take more time for maturity because rain has added extra moisture to the crop.”
Solvent Extractors Association of India has sent it’s team to assess the loss to mustard crop in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. The team will submit it’s report in a seminar on 15 March to be held at Jaipur.
Rajasthan would be more focused state from the survey because it contributes 45-47 per cent to total production of mustard seed in the country. As per the initial assessment, rain may have damaged 15-20 per cent of the crop.
Mr A R Pathak, Vice Chancellor of Junagadh Agriculture University said, “ Winter crops like wheat, cumin seed, coriander, onion and mango will be affected.” Mr Bhaskar Shah, Chairman of Indian Spices and Food Staff Export association told that around 40 per cent affect is expected to cumin seed in term of quality and production may fall 10 per cent. According to him, around 1.75-2 lakh tonnes production is expected this year as compared to 4.40 lakh tonnes last year.
Crop damage issue was raised in Rajasthan assembly. Rajasthan’s Disaster Management Minister Mr Gulab Singh Kataria informed the assembly that untimely rain and hailstorm has damaged many crops. He further informed that the State government would carry out survey and get assessment report soon. It will compensate affected farmers. He further said that government will pay compensation by the end of this month to the farmers who have suffered 50 percent damages. “Farmers suffered 50 per cent damages to their crop are entitled for the compensation”.
According to Mr Singh, government will pay the compensation by the month end to the farmers who have suffered losses from the rain and hailstorm between 28 February and 3 March. Assessment report is expected within 15 days. After the assessment reports, affected farmers will get compensation.
(By Commoditiescontrol Bureau; +91-22-61391533)
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