Lack of rains causes shortfall in Agriculture production

Pune, July 9, (UNI) A shortfall of ten to fifteen per cent in overall agricultural production in Maharashtra is expected due to lack of rains for the last 15 days, with only 26 per cent sowing being completed, sources at the Agriculture Commissionerate here said.

Director of Agriculture, D D Zope told UNI here today that a two-day state level meeting of officials from agriculture and irrigation departments will be held here from tomorrow, to take stock of the situation across the state, arising due to delayed rains with prospect of resowing looming large, apart from the issue of availability of seeds, and water for irrigation purposes.

''Usually, the rainy period for the first sowing is between the second week of June till July 7. If the rains get delayed, then the first phase of sowing itself becomes critical'', he said adding that during the meeting tomorrow, help and opinion is being sought from the State Agriculture University to step up emergency measures.

Zope said sowing activity has suffered a setback due to lack of rains in the past 10-15 days. ''Even as the rains are delayed, the production of pulses including moong and Udid will be hit marginally, while Tur and Soya will decrease substantially'', he said.

The Cotton crop will remain stagnant. However, the shortfall in rains will mean delay in both the Kharif and Rabi seasons, Zope added.

UNI DWN OBB RL PM1938