Above Normal Pulse Seeding Progress
NEW DELHI - Aug 23/13 - SNS -- Seeding of this year's kharif season pulse crops in India has pulled ahead of last year and the recent five year average, according to the latest data from the country's agriculture department.
Land in pulses now totals 9.963 million hectares, up 12.8% from this time last year and 2% higher than the previous five-year average. Normally, 91% of all pulses which will be planted during the kharif season are now in the ground.
A key factor in seeding progress has been this year's above normal monsoon rainfall coverage. As of August 23, cumulative rainfall is 14% above normal for this time of year. It is rated as excess in 17 subdivisions, normal in 14 and deficit in five.
However, the U.S. agricultural attache cautioned that "continued high rainfall coupled with little sunshine and lack of dry weather" could affect crop yields and quality. Soybean and cotton crops in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, and sorghum production in western Madhya Pradesh were of particular concern. Recent rains will also help recharge ground water levels, which should improve soil moisture for rabi sowing.
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