Unseasonal rains have severely hampered ready-to-harvest Rabi crops and damaged nearly 25-30 per cent of the crop yields. Consequently, wheat procurements have also been affected.
Rabi crops such as wheat, oilseeds, pulses, vegetables and fruits have been the worst affected by untimely rains. Horticulture crops including mangoes, bananas, grapes and channa have also been affected and the impact could be seen in their prices.
According to the study titled 'Monsoon 2015: Agri-business Risk or Opportunity,' conducted jointly by Assocham and Skymet Weather, untimely rains coupled with low temperatures have negatively affected the crops. Consequently, the consumers may have to face the burden as prices of vegetables are likely to increase by 20-25 per cent in the coming days.
Damage to Rabi crops would continue as more rainy days are in the offing. DS Rawat, Secretary General Assocham believes that, "This untimely rain would also increase the threat from pests. If this continues, farmers may face huge monetary loss".
The country’s food grain production will also decline by 3.2 per cent. In the 2014-15 crop year (July to June) the total production is expected to be 257.07 million tonnes, against last year’s production of 265.57 million tonnes, in the same time period.
Standing Rabi crops like wheat, mustard, potato and gram have been affected in the states of Punjab, Haryana and Delhi. Almost 20 districts across the country have faced the brunt of heavy rain on their crops.
Decline in quality of output along with delay in Mandi arrivals will ultimately lead to price rise of essential food items.
Picture courtesy: K.Pichumani.
