Against target of 80,000 MT, only 50,000 MT arrives in Hisar mandis

There seems to be a loss of about 25 to 30 per cent in the production of paddy this kharif season in Hisar district due to delay in rains in July.

Agricultural experts say other kharif crops like cotton have also suffered on account of extreme heat and delay in the rainfall in the initial stages of the season. The paddy area has increased in the district this year as farmers shifted from cotton due to pest attacks in the past some years. Thus, the area under paddy has gone up to 1,73,725 acres while that under cotton reduced from 1,81,600 acres to 1,31,565 acres.

The Agriculture Department had estimated the arrival of 80,000 MT of paddy in mandis, and accordingly the Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department made preparations for the purchase. However, after over a month of paddy procurement in 13 mandis of the district, only 50,000 MT has arrived to date. Officials estimate that there is a possibility of another 10,000 MT arrival in the remaining 12 days. The department admits that paddy production is less than normal in the district. Though the average (per acres) production is yet to be estimated, the department has indicated that the average yield too has fallen significantly.

Officials say in case of lower than average yield, farmers who got their crop insured would get the benefit under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana. Officials maintain that there could be multiple factors, including no rain for about 25 days in July, shortage of water for irrigation in paddy areas, non-availability of fertilisers on time and disease and pest attack on paddy crops in some areas. District Food and Supply Controller Amit Shekhawat says: “We had estimated the arrival of 80,000 MT. Now it seems that the arrival will be up to 60,000 MT,” he said.