Rabi Crops At Risk
El Nino threatens rabi crops in rainfed areas, may affect output: Agri secy
The upcoming rabi (winter) season is likely to be challenging for rainfed areas due to the El Nino weather pattern, and foodgrain production could be affected, Agriculture Secretary Atish Chandra said on Monday. Addressing a two-day national conference on preparedness for the rabi season, Chandra said the kharif season was also very challenging, particularly in rainfed areas. Several States struggled first to achieve crop coverage and later to ensure that the crops survived. Sowing of rabi crops such as wheat and mustard begins in October. "We are seeing that in the coming season, production is likely to be affected to a large extent. And the rabi season will also be challenging for the rainfed areas," he said. Chandra said some states could face the problem of excess soil moisture, while areas with deficient rainfall may see prolonged periods of stress. Strategies need to be calibrated accordingly for the rabi season, he added. Calling climate change a reality, he said even irri
 "El Nino threatens rabi crops in rainfed areas, may affect output: Agri secy")
Heavy rains, hailstorms damage rabi crops in 249,000 hectares: Chouhan
Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday said unseasonal rainfall and hailstorms have damaged standing rabi crops, particularly wheat, across approximately 2.49 lakh hectares so far across several states, with the full extent of losses still being assessed by multiple agencies. "The assessment of the crop damage is still underway. The assessment is being done by three different departments," Chouhan told reporters ahead of the launch of "Unnat Krishi Mela" in Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh. He noted that the wheat crop has suffered the maximum damage, followed by horticulture crops. The figure of 2.49 lakh hectares pertains to damage reported till April 8. Chouhan assured farmers that the Narendra Modi government stands with them in this hour of crisis. On April 5, Chouhan had directed ministry officials to conduct a comprehensive review of crop losses in the affected states and coordinate with state governments to gather ground-level information. The Minister also
 "Heavy rains, hailstorms damage rabi crops in 249,000 hectares: Chouhan")
Wheat leads as rabi sowing over in half of normal area, shows data
Data showed that during the week ending November 21, rabi crops were sown in around 30.63 million hectares of land which is 12.32 per cent more than the area covered during the same period last year
 "Wheat leads as rabi sowing over in half of normal area, shows data")
Much-delayed winter rains likely to benefit standing rabi crops: Experts
The rains, as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), were fairly widespread and extended right up to north-west and central India
 "Much-delayed winter rains likely to benefit standing rabi crops: Experts")
Saving the rabi crop
The lockdown can severely affect harvesting and sale
 "Saving the rabi crop")
Rabi crops at risk as muted monsoon cuts water level
Water levels in major reservoirs now 13% below 10-year average
 "Rabi crops at risk as muted monsoon cuts water level")