The delay in harvesting wheat in Punjab and Haryana is set to push back cotton planting in forthcoming kharif season. In Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, cotton planting starts in early May and this year it could be delayed by about a fortnight.

Cotton area up However, cotton acreages are unlikely to be affected and on the contrary, they may see a marginal increase.

Poor returns from guarseed last year may prompt farmers to shift back to cotton in the coming season mainly in Haryana and Rajasthan and to some extent in Punjab. Industry sources said that cotton was planted on about 3.5 million hectares in the northern region last year.

“We expect there will be a 2-3 per cent increase in cotton acreage in North India as farmers are seen shifting back to the fibre crop from guar,” said Sovan Chakraborty, Business Head, Shriram Farm Solutions, a unit of DCM Shriram Ltd.

Shriram is a leader in the Bt cottonseed market in North India and commands a 35 per cent share in the market, estimated at 55 lakh packets of 450 gm each. Sales of Bt cotton seeds are yet to start, Chakraborty said, adding that the company has been receiving a few enquiries.

M Ramasami, Managing Director, Rasi Seeds, said that gains in cotton acreage may not be significant as farmers may not be enthusiastic to plant the fibre crop as yields were barely normal last year.

However, he believes that cotton may gain acreage from guar, mainly in Haryana.

Guar loses the race Further, Ramasami said cotton needs to be planted before May 20 for better results. “It is a critical situation for farmers as wheat harvest has been delayed,” he said.

Cotton farmers in the north-west had planted more guar last year as prices of guarseed ruled at around ₹ 9,000 a quintal during May. However, with the lack of demand from key consumers in the US and Canada, prices of guarseed fell subsequently. Currently, guarseed prices are ruling hovering around ₹4,500 a quintal, almost half the price that prevailed in corresponding period a year ago.

Weather woes “Wheat harvest has been delayed due to the prolonged winter and unseasonal rains. The grain is still turning yellow and it may take a couple of weeks to dry. We expect the harvest to commence by end-April and may push back cotton planting by 8-10 days,” said Vikas Rai, a large farmer in Abohar.

Besides, the lack of availability of water in canals at this point in time will also delay the cotton plantings, Rai said.

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