Dry conditions slow India’s winter planting

Dry soil conditions are slowing India’s winter sown crops, but rice production is still estimated at 128 million tonnes, according to a report from the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the US Department of Agriculture.

Soil moisture is suffering because of the erratic and underperforming southwest monsoon, the FAS said. It has been one of the most erratic in recent years, with below-average aggregate rainfall.

“Farmers are forced to supplement required soil moisture levels for planting through increased irrigation,” the FAS said. “Recourse to field irrigation is slowing down the overall pace of planting.”

Farmers are likely to shift some production away from water intensive crops like rice and wheat to coarse grains, pulses and oilseeds. In drought-stricken areas, farmers will be more likely to leave more land fallow.

Rice production of 128 million tonnes will be down from the 135.8 million tonnes produced in 2022-23. Consumption is estimated lower to 115 million tonnes with ending stocks at 30.5 million tonnes.

Even with the new crop and subdued export demand, domestic rice prices rose to record highs in November, the FAS said, on speculation of the size of the crop.

“Prices, however, are expected to remain steady over the coming months as the government will ensure to implement policy measures to keep prices under control through the general elections in April-May 2024,” the FAS said.

Tags: rice, wheat, India