Pulses, oilseeds more rainfall dependent than cereals: RBI study

Rice cultivation less impacted by vagaries of weather than other crops

India’s cropping patterns have become more immune to deficient rainfall owing to improved irrigation facilities, but rainfall still plays a part in improved yields, according to a study published in RBI’s monthly bulletin released on Wednesday.

RBI researchers found that while paddy is protected from rainfall deficiency, one percent higher rainfall increased production by 0.03 percent. For maize, pulses and oilseeds, the effects were even better, as a percent increase led to production rising by 0.159, 0.333 and 0.303 percent, respectively.

“Paddy’s limited sensitivity to rainfall shortages can be attributed to the widespread use of irrigation systems in paddy cultivation, which buffers the crop against deficient rainfall. However, maize production remains unaffected by deficient rainfall, reflecting its adaptability and potential reliance on soil moisture or farming practices suited to low-rainfall conditions,” the researchers noted.

The study highlighted that pulses tend to be more affected by rainfall deficiency, as a percent drop in activity led to a -0.017 percent decline in production compared with -0.07 percent for cereals.

For maize and urad, rainfall deficiency was a boon, as production increased during this period.

Excess rainfall was harmful across the crops, with oilseeds impacted more than pulses. The least impact was on cereals.

“Our findings suggest that in areas prone to heavy rainfall, early planting is recommended so that maize plants reach a more robust stage of growth, making them better equipped to withstand such adverse conditions,” researchers noted.

The timing of weather events was also an important factor as per the study.

“The timing of these extreme weather events is also crucial due to differing crop production cycles. Insufficient rainfall in June and July adversely affects cereal and pulses production, while oilseeds are particularly vulnerable to excessive rainfall during the harvesting period,” it noted.

India has witnessed a rise in extreme weather events over the last decade. The RBI study underscores the importance of developing district-wise strategy for tackling effects of climate change on agriculture.