Aurangabad: The lull observed in rainfall activity before its recent revival has reflected in terms of sowing activity on over 12.23 lakh hectare land in Marathwada during the current Kharif season.As per the official data, out of the 49 lakh hectare target area sowing has taken place on nearly 37 lakh hectare — accounting for 75% of total target area.Attributing no sowing on nearly 25% agricultural land in Marathwada to recent truant played by the monsoon, authorities concerned said the remaining sowing activity would gather pace following the latest revival of monsoon. Marathwada, comprising eight districts, is divided into two agricultural divisions: Aurangabad and Latur. And both have recorded 75% sowing.In Aurangabad division, Jalna district has reported lowest 73% sowing, followed by Beed (75%) and Aurangabad (77%).In Latur division, Parbhani has recorded lowest 60% sowing for Kharif season so far, followed by Osmanabad, Latur (both 77%), Nanded (81%) and Hingoli (82%).Agricultural superintendent officer for Aurangabad division S K Divekar said sowing activity on remaining areas would gather momentum after current widespread revival of monsoon in Marathwada. “After brisk start in June, the monsoon has played truant and it has affected sowing activity in some areas,” he said.As per agriculture department data, five out of eight districts of Marathwada, namely Latur (149%), Osmanabad (109%), Nanded (147%), Parbhani (136%) and Hingoli (151%) had reported surplus rainfall in June.The lull in rainfall during the second half of June and early July proved inefficient for sowing in some areas.As far as July is concerned, all eight districts of Marathwada have shown deficiency in monsoon with the entire region showing an average deficit of 53%. Raising doubts over official data, farmers’ leader Jayaji Surywanshi said only 40% sowing has taken place in entire Marathwada.“We have a direct connect with farmers from the region and therefore can tell authentically that sowing has taken place on less than half of the target area so far. With latest revival of monsoon farmers will be encouraged to undertake sowing,” he said.As per official data, soybean and cotton are some of the preferred crops during Kharif season in Marathwada as far as early trends are concerned.Stating that precise details about different Kharif crops undertaken would be available only by October, agricultural authorities said no major shift has been observed in cropping pattern in Marathwada for the current season.

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