Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar today said that delay in onset of monsoon and subsequent rainfall deficiency has affected kharif sowing in some parts of the country. In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, he said this year only 80.2 million hectare has been covered under various crops by 8th of this month. The Minister said against an average area of 105.70 million hectare under kharif cultivation, 85.4 million hectare is normally sown by 8th of August. Mr. Pawar said,his Ministry is closely monitoring monsoon and crop sowing situation along with Met Department and State Governments.

He expressed hope that the current deficiency in rainfall may not severely impact foodgrains production if rainfall becomes normal in August-September. Adequate stocks of wheat and rice are available hence import of these commodities may not be necessary. Mr. Pawar, however, said that pulses
would have to be imported, as in previous years, in order to meet domestic demand.

The Minister reiterated that comprehensive contingency plans have been prepared for 343 districts based on which States have been advised to initiate location specific measures. The government is also providing subsidy on diesel and quality seeds.