India’s oilseed planting declines amid rainfall deficit

India’s oilseed planted area has declined by 2% year-on-year this season to 16.35 mln ha. According to USDA, farmers were more cautious with planting due to uncertain early-season rainfall and dry soil conditions in key western producing states.

Monsoon problems have affected more than just oilseeds. As of July 24, India’s total planted crop area stood at 78.74 mln ha, down 3.88 mln ha, or 4.7%, from a year earlier.

The largest declines were recorded in coarse grains and pulses. USDA attributed the reduction to the delayed onset of the monsoon and erratic rainfall distribution across regions where agriculture is heavily dependent on rainfall.

Conditions improved somewhat by August 1, but cumulative rainfall during the southwest monsoon was still 11.5% below the long-term average.

Crop risks remain elevated. The India Meteorological Department forecasts below-normal rainfall in August and during the second half of the monsoon season, at less than 94% of the long-term average. USDA said the deteriorating weather outlook is linked to strengthening El Niño conditions.

Tags: weather conditions, oilseeds, India