(a) whether the rainfall in the country as of June, 2018 was below normal with 5% deficit which leads to slowdown in sowing of Kharif crops, 46% less than that of last year across the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether any action is being taken by the Union Government to meet any shortfall in crop output to meet demand and supply of the crops in the country; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
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(a) & (b): Yes Madam, As per the Indian Metrological Department (IMD), the rainfall in the country for the month of June, 2018 was below normal with 5% deficit. The country has received 155.3 mm of rainfall as compared to the normal rainfall of 163.6 mm from 1st June to 30th June 2018. The rainfall situation improved during first fortnight of July and during the period, from 1st June to 17th July 2018, country has received 310.5 mm of rainfall which has narrowed down the deficiency to 2% less.
The sowing of kharif crops picks up with the advancement of monsoon and adequate rainfall for the sowing of crops. The sowing of kharif crops has been reported in an area of 631.53 lakh hectare as on 20.07.2018 as compared to 657.18 lakh hectare of normal sowing in corresponding period, which is less by 3.91%. The sowing of kharif crops will continue up to the month of August.
(c) & (d): It is too early to assess the production/output of Kharif crops for the current season. However, in order to mitigate the impact of weather related challenges, Indian Council for Agricultural Research Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (ICAR-CRIDA) has developed the District Agriculture Contingency Plan (DACP) for 623 districts and circulated to all State Agricultural Departments. The plan contains suitable technology interventions. The Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare has also issued advisory to the States to implement contingency plan as per local need.
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