The Hindu Business Line : Oilseed farmers await revival of monsoon

Oilseed farmers, especially soyabean growers, are waiting for the revival of monsoon to begin sowing but the seed crushing sector is not worried even if production is to be affected by the rains playing truant.

"Farmers are waiting for 1-2 inch rains to begin sowing. Monsoon did set in early but there have been no follow-up rains. Once monsoon revives, they could begin sowing on a large-scale," said Mr Rajesh Agrawal, Chairman, Soyabean Processors Association of India.

According to industry sources, parts of Maharashtra, the second largest producer of soyabean in the country, have begin to get showers and it was an encouraging sign. The sources said in most of the regions, sowing was lagging behind.

Monsoon is seen reviving and advancing into Andhra Pradesh and Mahrashstra in the next three days.

"Even if the monsoon is below normal and production is to be affected, there is nothing to fear. This is because Nafed (National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation) is carrying 35 lakh tonnes stock of mustard/rapeseed," the sources said.

Farmers who had gone in for sowing when monsoon set in early could be affected as they would have to go in for re-sowing, they said.

"As of now, there is nothing to be concerned about soyabeans. If the rains come on time, there should not be any problem," Mr Agrawal said.

Production estimates

During the current oil year (November 2005-October 2006), oilseeds production has been estimated at 236.2 lakh tonnes (lt) against 221.8 lt the previous year. According to the Union Agriculture Ministry, oilseeds coverage is down during the current kharif sowing by 41,000 hectares. Similarly, sesamum and castor coverage is also down.

Cotton could help

The oilseeds sector is also looking at the increase in cotton acreage because high cotton production this season has been one of the reasons for decline in edible oil imports into the country.

"Cottonseed oil can fill the gap in edible oil demand and the record production during the last two years have, in fact, keep imports on leash," the sources said.

On the other hand, experts and analysts feel it is too early to assess the effect of the hold-up in monsoon on other crops.

"For example, it is too early to say anything on a crop like paddy. Transplanting will take place only in August-end and until then, we will be unable to pinpoint the effect," a Delhi-based analyst said.

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