MUMBAI, 27 July (Commoditiescontrol): Unlike Tur or Moong, the widely consumed Urad is facing a decline in sowing this season. The Ministry of Agriculture reports that urad acreage has decreased to 23.12 lakh hectares, down from 23.86 lakh hectares the previous year. Farmers in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh have opted for crops like groundnuts, maize, and soybeans instead, leading to a significant drop in urad acreage. Despite this, there is an expected increase in acreage in less populous states such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana. Crop damage over the past four to five years in Rajasthan and the Bundelkhand regions has also contributed to the reduced acreage this season.
Maharashtra reports a substantial increase in urad acreage to 3.45 lakh hectares, up 112% from the previous year, due to timely rains. The Karnataka Agriculture Department reports 89,000 hectares, an increase from 52,000 hectares in the previous season, attributed to last year's drought occurring later in the season, allowing for more planting. However, Krishi Rajasthan reports a decrease in acreage to 2.93 lakh hectares, down 7.5% this season.
Currently, the crop is in the vegetative stage, with most farmers having completed sowing. The forecast for the next two weeks predicts drier weather in Maharashtra and South India, which will benefit crop establishment and development. Meanwhile, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh are expected to receive rain, favorable for crop growth. The drier weather in Maharashtra following periods of intense rain will also aid in crop development.
(By Commoditiescontrol Bureau; +91 98201 30172)