The cumulative rainfall during the current monsoon season has been deficient by 15 per cent (higher than rainfall deficit of 12 per cent in 2014-15). However, on account of timely onset of monsoon as well as Government’s multiple interventions with contingency plans, timely advisories and regular monitoring of seed and fertilizer availability, estimated production of most of the crops during current kharif season has been higher in comparison to the first advance estimates for 2014-15, according to the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare.
The government has released the first advance estimates of production of major kharif crops for 2015-16. As per these preliminary estimates, total production of kharif foodgrains is put at 124.05 million tonnes, which is higher by 3.78 million tonnes compared to production of 120.27 million tonnes of foodgrains as per first advance estimates for 2014-15.
Production of kharif rice estimated at 90.61 million tonnes is higher by 2.59 million tonnes. Total production of kharif coarse cereals is estimated at 27.88 million tonnes, which is higher by 0.83 million tonnes compared to production of 27.05 million tonnes of kharif coarse cereals estimated in 2014-15. However, the production estimate for maize is marginally lower this year as compared to the corresponding period.
Increase in area under urad and moong has led to increase in production of kharif pulses estimated at 5.56 million tonnes against their production of 5.20 million tonnes. Among pulses, production of tur is estimated to decline by 0.13 million tonnes compared to the previous year.
As per first advance estimates for 2015-16, production of kharif oilseeds is 19.89 million tonnes, compared to production of 19.66 million tonnes.
Production of sugarcane, estimated at 341.43 million tonnes, is lower by 1.36 million tonnes. The output of cotton estimated at 33.51 million bales (of 170 kg each) is also lower by 1.12 million bales. Production of jute, estimated at 10.28 million bales (of 180 kg each), is marginally lower than in 2014-15.
