Early onset of India monsoon boosts crop outlook

The monsoon rains that now irrigate more than half of India’s farmland have reached the subcontinent earlier than usual, boosting crop prospects and raising hopes that the country will lift current curbs on agricultural exports, Bloomberg reports.

Rainfall between June and September is crucial to boosting the country’s economy and keeping food prices in check. Good and timely rains not only boost production of crops such as rice, canola, soybeans and cotton, but also help fill reservoirs — the main source of irrigation for winter crops such as wheat and pulses.

The meteorological department said conditions are favorable for the monsoon to advance further into other parts of India, including southern and northeastern states, in the next two to three days. Sowing of late crops could begin early next month instead of mid-June, meaning an early harvest.

Unstable weather in recent years has hit agricultural production and prompted New Delhi to restrict supplies of several commodities. A good monsoon season could boost agricultural production and prompt the government to lift restrictions. India has already lifted the ban on several varieties of rice.

Increased supplies of grains, pulses, oilseeds, sugar and other commodities could help keep food prices low and reduce imports.

Earlier, it was reported that the rapeseed harvest, India’s main oilseed crop, will be at least 12.9 million tonnes, while the soybean harvest is also expected to be a record 151.32 million tonnes. Monsoon rains could further increase the record figures.

Tags: India, crop forecast