Data from the Indian Ministry of Agriculture indicates a 58% increase in the total area of rice cultivation in the Asian country by June 20, reaching 3.5 million hectares (8.7 million acres) by last Friday thanks to the early onset of monsoons, as reported by IDK. Expert, citing Bloomberg.
Farmers planted oilseed crops on an area of 4.9 million hectares, which is 20% higher than last year's figures, according to a statement from the ministry on Monday. The area under legume cultivation has increased to 2.1 million hectares, which is 37% more than last year.
Monsoon rainfall exceeded the norm by 9% in June and, according to the Indian meteorological department's forecast, in July it will reach more than 106% of the long-term average.
Almost half of India's agricultural land lacks irrigation systems, so all hopes are pinned on the annual June to September rains for a successful seasonal crop growth. Accordingly, farmers are eagerly looking forward to good results by the end of the season.
It was earlier reported that the harvest of potatoes, a key oilseed crop in India, is projected to exceed 12.9 million tons, and the soybean harvest also promises to be record-breaking at 151.32 million tons. With favorable monsoon rains, further increases in record yields are possible.