Oilseed area to decline 5%

Total oilseed area this kharif season is expected to decline five per cent due to scanty rainfall in crop growing areas.

This year, the total oilseed acreage is expected to be around 15.98 million hectares, compared to 16.79 million hectares last year.

Soybean production this kharif season is expected to be on the higher side, but the area under groundnut is expected to decline, according to G G Patel & Nikhil Research Company.

The area under soybean is higher by 400,000 hectares and the total area is expected to be around 10.7 million hectares, compared to 10.3 million hectares last year. “There have been reports of crop damage in Madhya Pradesh due to excessive rain and water logging,” said G G Patel.

On the other hand, the area under groundnut is expected to be lower, although the sown area by government estimates is 3.81 million hectares, but the area that will be harvested is estimated to be around 3.51 million hectares.

Last year, 4.2 million hectares of groundnut was harvested and this year it is expected to be lower by around 770,000 hectares.