Kharif crop sowing in Rajasthan has reached 61% completion for coarse cereals, 58% for pulses, 60% for oilseeds, and 56% for other crops as of July 9, according to Rajasthan's Agriculture Department data. Agricultural experts estimate that sowing coverage in the state is currently 20-25% lower than last year. The erratic monsoon pattern has disrupted the traditional sowing schedule, with pre-monsoon showers being weak and the monsoon arriving around July 2. A dry spell over recent days has put sown crops at risk, potentially forcing farmers to resort to resowing.
Among major crops, pearl millet (bajra) has achieved 61% of its target with sowing completed in 24.65 lakh hectares against a target of 40.50 lakh hectares. Coarse cereals show 51% completion for sorghum and 69% for maize. In pulses, moong has reached 60% coverage with 15.90 lakh hectares sown against a target of 26.50 lakh hectares. Other pulses including moth bean and urad have achieved 44% sowing completion each. Groundnut sowing leads among oilseed crops at 9.19 lakh hectares against a target of 11.50 lakh hectares (80% completion), while soybean stands at 6.74 lakh hectares against a target of 11 lakh hectares (61% completion). Cotton sowing has reached 72% completion.
The state's most prominent crop, guar, is lagging significantly with only 9.82 lakh hectares sown against a target of 25.50 lakh hectares, representing 39% completion. As reported by the Agriculture Department, this crop faces the most severe shortfall due to the erratic rainfall pattern. The state produces over 70% of the country's total guar production, making this lag particularly concerning for the agricultural sector. The erratic monsoon pattern has disrupted the traditional sowing schedule, with the monsoon arriving later than usual and subsequent dry spells creating uncertainty for farmers.
According to farmer Gyarsi Lal from Shivdaspura village near Jaipur, farmers are holding off on further sowing, waiting for rainfall. As reported by the Agriculture Department, more than half of the state's kharif crops depend on monsoon rainfall. The erratic monsoon pattern has disrupted the traditional sowing schedule, with the monsoon arriving later than usual and subsequent dry spells creating uncertainty for farmers. Agricultural experts suggest that if monsoon is delayed or rainfall is scanty, sowing of guar, moong, and bajra will accelerate as these crops can be sown late and mature quickly with minimal water.
