Farmers Leverage Favorable Pre-Monsoon Conditions
In Karnataka, the area under corn cultivation has seen a substantial increase due to favorable pre-monsoon showers. Despite the monsoon becoming erratic over the past few weeks and causing a rainfall deficit in seven of the 31 districts, farmers have shown a preference for planting corn.
Significant Growth in Corn Acreage
The corn acreage has increased by 294 percent to 0.898 million hectares as of June 21, up from the normal coverage of 0.306 million hectares. During the same period last year, corn was planted on 0.125 million hectares. The firm prices of corn and the recent increase in the minimum support price for kharif crops have encouraged farmers. Karnataka, a major producer of kharif corn, targets an acreage of 1.54 million hectares for the current season.
Impact of Erratic Monsoon on Future Crop Prospects
The overall kharif acreage in Karnataka has more than doubled to over 3.3 million hectares, compared to the normal 1.539 million hectares for the period, and almost quadrupled from last year’s 0.837 million hectares. The State aims for a total kharif acreage of 8.248 million hectares this season.
Despite normal to excess pre-monsoon rainfall across all districts, the rainfall has weakened in the last few weeks of June, resulting in a cumulative rainfall deficiency in seven of the 31 districts. As of now, the State has reported an 8 percent surplus rainfall for the January 1-21 period.
Karnataka’s farmers have significantly expanded the area under corn cultivation, leveraging favorable pre-monsoon conditions. Despite some rainfall challenges, the state’s agricultural sector is poised for a strong kharif season with increased corn acreage.