North-west rains to further boost rabi production: ICAR chief

Agro-climatic conditions had thus far been very good for rabi crops and the current rainy spell in north-western region would further boost rabi production prospects, according to Mangala Rai, director-general, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).

Rabi season began this year with a good soil moisture regime for crop sowing thanks to late monsoon and October rainfall. These rains also helped in leaching down salts and improving soil fertility.

Besides, the drop in temperature in October created conditions favourable for extensive rabi crop planting and good germination. Wheat sowing was reported to be quite extensive.

In the central Indian region, too, the standing crops were in an excellent shape, he said. He, however, refused to hazard any precise estimate of crop production at this stage. "All I can do at this time is to analyse the prevailing agro-climatic conditions and their impact on the crops", he maintained.

Rai said relatively lower incidence of fog till now this year compared with past few years, had benefited crops by allowing them to utilise sunshine for photosynthesis (the process of converting solar energy into plant growth).

At the same time, the absence of frost thus far had averted likely damage to cold-sensitive crops such as peas, chickpea (gram) and pigeonpea (arhar). There had thus far been no report of any major pest or disease attack. This was another positive indication for rabi output, the ICAR chief said.

Rai hailed the growing trend of diversification of cropping pattern in the north-western rabi belt, notably Punjab and Haryana. About 10,000 hectares were reported to have already planted with non-traditional crops in the current rabi, he pointed out.

About excessive rainfall in some southern states, Rai said it had damaged standing crops in isolated pockets but its overall effect on agriculture was positive. It created conditions conducive for sowing of subsequent crops.