Maharashtra witnesses significant drop in rabi crop cultivation, raising worries about agricultural output.
According to the latest report by Geojit, the agricultural landscape in Maharashtra has undergone a significant transformation, marked by a concerning decline in the area under rabi crops. The data, sourced from the state agriculture department, indicates a 9% reduction in rabi crop cultivation, with the current area reported at 4.73 million hectares compared to 5.19 million hectares in the previous season.
Gram, a pivotal rabi crop in Maharashtra, has seen a noticeable decrease in acreage, plummeting from 2.59 million hectares to 2.24 million hectares. This decline in gram cultivation mirrors a broader trend, with pulses, including key crops like wheat, safflower, mustard, and sorghum, experiencing a collective reduction in acreage.
Wheat, one of the primary crops in the rabi season, faced a decline in cultivation from 901,983 hectares to 747,140 hectares, marking a concerning 17% drop. However, jowar has seen a positive surge, with a 10% rise in its cultivation area, reaching 1.34 million hectares.
The overall scenario for cereals in Maharashtra has witnessed a 3.5% decrease in the total cultivated area, while oilseed cultivation has shown a mixed pattern, with safflower witnessing an increase but sunflower acreage dwindling significantly.
Water reservoirs and dams in the state have also recorded a substantial decline in capacity, currently standing at 59.91% compared to 82.55% in the previous year, potentially impacting agricultural operations.
The larger national context also reflects a concerning trend, with India’s overall rabi crop area shrinking by 1.2%, according to data from the agriculture ministry. While wheat cultivation remains relatively stable at 33.2 million hectares, rabi paddy, pulses, and maize have seen reductions in their cultivation areas.
Chana, a significant pulse variety, has witnessed a notable decrease in acreage by 7.4%, raising concerns about the availability of this essential crop. Meanwhile, mustard cultivation has seen a rise of 2% due to its perceived better remuneration compared to other crops.
The declining trend in rabi crop cultivation in Maharashtra and across India calls for a comprehensive evaluation of agricultural practices and potential strategies to mitigate the impact of these reductions on food production and the economy.
