Pune: A deficit rainfall during the withdrawal phase of the monsoon in 2018 has impacted the sowing of rabi crops like jowar, wheat and gram in Pune district.The retreating southwest monsoon towards the end of September or early October brings rainfall suited for rabi crops in the state.Officials in IMD’s agri-met division said a prolonged dry spell during the withdrawal phase this season has affected sowing. “Rainfall during the monsoon’s withdrawal is essential for retaining moisture in the soil and crucial for sowing. Less rainfall means there was no adequate moisture and hence farmers could not sow rabi crops,” a senior agri-met official said.According to data with the agriculture department’s Pune district office, the total rabi sowing area has reduced by 1.93 lakh hectare in 2018-19 as compared to last year.Last year, the total area of sowing was 4.85 lakh hectare but in 2018-19 it was only 2.92 lakh hectare in 13 tehsils across the district.Agriculture officials, experts and traders at the Agriculture Produce Market Committee said the lack of sowing will impact the demand-supply equation for the rabi yield and subsequently, the prices.“Since there is significant dip in jowar, wheat and grain sowing, there will be some impact on the prices of these items in the markets. Traders will import them from other states and consumers will have to pay extra,” an official said.Official data for last year indicate that jowar was sown on 1, 56,000 hectares but this year it has been reduced to 93,000.The sowing area of wheat has reduced to 22,548 hectare from 47,971 hectare, this year. “Usually, after the sugar cane crushing, many farmers cultivate wheat. The deficiency may reduce in the coming months,” Palghadmal added.Another senior agriculture officer said no more sowing is possible considering shortage of water across the district.

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