Record grain production likely in Jharkhand

Jharkhand’s agriculture fortunes may turn positive for the first time since the state came into existence. After its formation as a separate state, bifurcating Bihar, Jharkhand has seen five drought years between 2000 and 2010. The year 2011 is likely to be a fortune year for the state as it has received good rainfall this month. This is likely to help farmers harvest record paddy crop.

Officials in the state agriculture department expect production of over 31 million tonnes (mt) of foodgrain this year, as against 2 mt last year.

Farmers in the state have sown paddy between 25 and 30 per cent during last three years due to erratic and poor rainfall. Officials ssay over 65 per cent sowing has been completed this year. It was possible because of good rainfall in June and August.

The sowing might cross 80 per cent and could reach to 90 per cent if the rainfall continued, they said. However, agricultural scientists apprehend that the continuous rain will affect vegetable cultivation by 20 to 25 per cent in Jharkhand. Jharkhand produces about 400 mt of vegetables per year against the requirement of the state to the tune of 384.5 mt.