Published on Wed, Jul 07, 2010 at 22:18 | Source : Reuters
Updated at Wed, Jul 07, 2010 at 22:23
Like this story, share it with millions of investors on M3
0
Like this story, share it with millions of investors on M3
Monsoon boosts most crops, flood risk emerges
Monsoon rains in key grain-producing states in northern India have brightened the outlook for rice and cotton although heavy showers have flooded some pockets, officials said on Wednesday.
Monsoon rains in key grain-producing states in northern India have brightened the outlook for rice and cotton although heavy showers have flooded some pockets, officials said on Wednesday.
Rainfall in Punjab and Haryana was four to five times the average level in the past two days, making up for the dry spell in June and reducing India's monsoon shortfall since June 1 to 11% from 16% a week ago, data from the weather office showed.
India's June-September monsoon rains, the main source of water for 60% of India's farms, began on a shaky note last month, delaying soybean sowing in central India and rice planting in the north, but rain-bearing winds advanced rapidly this month, ruling out significant damage to crops.
"Paddy sowing going on full swing in Punjab and Haryana," Vijay Sethia, president of All India Rice Exporters Association.
He said the government's target to produce 100 million tonnes of rice in 2010/11 would be achieved.
In central India, the main soybean region, planting has accelerated after rains revived this month.
"I expect 80% to 90% sowing to be over by next week," said A.S. Chandel, a soybean expert.
Surender Paul, director at the regional office of the India Meteorological Department, said heavy rains would continue in the northern region for another 24 hours, and decrease after that.
