The recent data from the India Meteorological Department revealed that February saw the highest mean temperature since 1901 in the central meteorological subdivision, which includes states like Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. Despite the above-normal temperatures, the rabi crops are expected to have little impact and the country can anticipate a bumper harvest.
During a review meeting with officials of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan was informed about the possibility of a good yield in various rabi season produce. Chouhan emphasized the need to ensure that farmers receive better prices for their crops and directed officials to work towards this goal.
The meeting also discussed the progress of agriculture sector activities such as sowing of crops, procurement, prices, weather conditions, and reservoir levels. Chouhan urged officials to expedite the formation of the Makhana Board and seek input from Makhana farmers to protect their interests.
The summer sowing (Zaid crop) has been progressing smoothly, with an area of 22.32 lakh hectares as of February 21. The acreage of paddy has increased, while pulses and coarse cereals have seen a decrease in sowing compared to the previous year.
Sowing of onion and potato in major producing states for the Rabi season has increased, while tomato acreage has decreased. Chouhan emphasized the need for creating a system that ensures farmers receive better prices for their produce.
The Makhana Board formation, progress of summer sowing, and the overall agriculture sector were discussed during the meeting, which was attended by Agriculture Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi and other officials. The Minister was also briefed on the decrease in pulses acreage and the increase in onion and potato sowing compared to the previous year.
