New Delhi: Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar Monday expressed concern over delay in sowing due to deficient rains but said there is still time for planting of Kharif (summer-sown) crops. The Centre is in touch with the states to jointly tackle the situation if there is any drought like situation.
"Delay in sowing of Kharif crops is a cause of concern. There is still time for farmers to complete sowing operations," Tomar told reporters on the sidelines of State Agriculture Ministers conference' held here. Area under Kharif crops has declined by 27 per cent at 234.33 lakh hectare till last week of the ongoing Kharif season of 2019-20 crop year (July-June), as against last 319.68 lakh hectares in the same period last year.
"We are in touch if there is any drought like situation, we (centre and States) will work together," Tomar said. Asked about expected Kharif crop production, he said it is too early to comment. The Indian Metereological Department (IMD) has projected good rains in July and August which could boost sowing operations.
Sowing of kharif crops begin with the onset of southwest monsoon, which this year arrived late delaying the sowing operation.