State expecting a bumper harvest

Expressbuzz, Nov 13, 2008

Despite the recent floods and a drought looming over several districts, the State, if the prediction goes true, is all set to harvest a bumper kharif crop for the second consecutive year.

According to revised estimate of Agriculture directorate, the expected rice production in the current kharif is projected at 72 lakh tonnes as against 68 lakh tonnes last year. Prior to flood and moisture stress, paddy production was projected at 76 lakh tonnes.

The State registered a record foodgrain production of 92 lakh tonnes in 2007-08 kharif and rabi.

As per preliminary estimate, the directorate had projected a foodgrain production of about 80 lakh tonnes. It later revised the estimate following crop loss in the coastal region due to floods. The moisture stress condition in nine districts is likely to reduce paddy yield by about two lakh tonnes.

Exuding confidence, Agriculture Director Arabinda Padhee told this paper that paddy crop condition in majority districts is excellent.

Paddy crop in dough and ripening stage will not be affected.

Standing paddy crop in 2.28 lakh hectares is likely to be affected due to the moisture stress resulting in low yield. Only medium duration crop in the tail-end of the irrigation system will be affected and improper management of water distribution is to be blamed for the present condition, he added.

Of the nine districts witnessing moisture stress condition, Koraput, Malkangiri, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Rayagada and Ganjam are the major pulses producing districts. However, pulses in 66,000 acres of land is facing moisture stress condition, he said, adding pulse production will be more than eight lakh tonnes.

He attributed the bumper paddy production to more than normal rainfall, multiplication of quality seeds and increased use of chemical fertilisers by the farmers. Fertiliser consumption in the State has increased substantially and farmers have utilised the subsidy benefit for buying more diesel pumpsets.