Deficit rainfall hits sowing

Gargi Parsai NEW DELHI: Deficient rainfall in parts of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka has hit kharif sowing of pulses, cotton, pearl millet (jowar), groundnut and sugarcane. Already the prices of these commodities are rising, causing concern to the government. Fodder shortage is also anticipated. Agriculture and Food Minister Sharad Pawar held a review meeting with senior officials of the departments concerned and the India Meteorological Department here on Friday. It was decided to “wait and watch” the monsoon pattern till July 31 before operationalising contingency plans for late sown, short-duration and alternative crops in the regions hit by water stress. Monsoon shift Expressing optimism, IMD officials forecast a “southward shift of the monsoon trough from Saturday and subsequently formation of a low... [read full story]