Wheat output in state likely to remain same this year

Despite lower sowing, Gujarat state agriculture department has estimated the equal output of wheat in the state. However, Junagadh Agriculture University (JAU) thinks that wheat production may decline by 25 per cent this year.

Sowing area under wheat crop in Gujarat has declined by around 17 per cent in this year, with sowing area touching around 737,300 hectares as on December 18 against 886,900 hectares last year.

Wheat production was around 4 million tonnes in 2011-12.

The state agriculture department feels that the production would be around the same level as last year's. "This year we are expecting the same production in wheat as like last year. It is a fact that sowing so far is lower compared to last year's, however there will be more areas where sowing will be done," said B R Shah, director of the Department of Agriculture, Gujarat. He added that wheat production in 2012-13 is likely to touch 4 million tonnes. In contrast, research scientists at the department of agricultural economics at JAU feel that wheat production may decrease by 25 per cent this year as sowing is down in the state.

Moreover, water shortage primarily in Saurashtra region discouraged farmers from wheat sowing in the area. K H Dabhi, research scientist for wheat in JAU said, "Saurashtra area is almost dry this year because of weak monsoons. Wheat sowing was done only where farmers had water connectivity."

He added that as per data available , wheat sowing in Saurashtra region is down by almost 92 per cent to 80,900 hectares against an average of 1.2 million hectares. JAU feels that productivity might also be low this year. "Productivity may also decline this year. Gujarat's average productivity in wheat is around 3,000 kg per hectare," Dabhi claimed.

M G Dhandhalya, associate research scientist, department of agricultural economics, JAU said, "In the current year, area under wheat cultivation is expected to decrease due to low rainfall and less availability of irrigation water. Hence the production of wheat will be very low in Gujarat."