Maharashtra is set to face an unprecedented fall of 31% in foodgrains production for 2014-15, owing to severely deficient rainfall and other natural calamities, said the State’s Economic Survey report for the period published on Tuesday.
The State’s poor output is not limited to foodgrains which include kharif, rabi and summer crops but also extended to oilseeds and cotton. In both these categories the State will suffer a massive output decrease of 53% and 25% respectively.
“It is mainly due to severely deficient rainfall received during the sowing period and vegetative growth state of kharif crops in all parts of the State,” said the report.
Compared to the State’s performance in the last three surveys, 2014-15 has turned out to be the worst. Major parts of the State suffered drought in 2013 and 2014, which is said to be the main reason behind the decrease in production. Hailstorm and unseasonal rains have also had an impact.
Ironically, the only crop across the State that is expected to increase its production is the water-intensive sugarcane, cultivated mostly in Western Maharashtra which has comparatively better irrigation facilities. As per the report, the output is expected to be about 10% more than the previous year.
While the State suffered in the agriculture sector, it has topped the country in terms of gross value added, fixed capital and emoluments to employees.
