Karnataka's Kharif pulses coverage as on July 4 is down 54.23 per cent at 2.92 lakh hectares compared with 6.38 lakh hectares covered in the same period last year.
The trade and agricultural scientists attribute decline in coverage area due to delayed monsoon and erratic rains resulting in delayed sowing.
According to Mr Ramesh Chandra Lahoti, commodities trader and chairman FKCCI's APMC Committee, “There has been delay in moong dal (greengram) sowing in key north Karnataka districts. Tur dal (redgram) area has stabilised but only with good regular rains output will be normal.”
Greengram
As on July 4, greengram coverage in the State is 1.45 lakh hectares (last year 2.64 lakh hectares).
The Domestic and Export Market Intelligence Cell (Demic) under the Department of Agribusiness Management, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad said “The production of greengram is expected to remain same as that of last year with an expected yield of around 5-7 quintals per hectare.”
According to the Demic price forecast, greengram in Gadag market is expected to trade in the range between Rs 3,600 and Rs 3,750 a quintal during August-September months. The price of greengram in Gadag market is currently ruling around Rs 3,400 quintal (June 2011).
Blackgram
The current blackgram coverage in the state is 0.29 lakh hectare (last year 0.66 lakh hectares).
Demic predicts the prices to stay static. The yield of blackgram in Bidar region is expected to be around 6-8 quintals per hectare. Prices in Bidar region is expected to trade between Rs 3,200 and Rs 3,400 a quintal during August-September months. The minimum support price (MSP) announced by the government for the crop for this year is Rs 3,300 a quintal.
Tur
Tur coverage is 0.67 lakh hectares (last year 2.43 lakh hectares).
Mr Lahoti said Gulbarga region is known for Tur. “Here in this region, farmers are waiting for good rains to take up sowing operation. It has been delayed for want of moisture as well.”
Demic going by its interaction with farmers forecast that there are chances of good crop this season with the yields touching 10-12 quintals per hectare.
“The prices of tur is expected to hover around Rs 3,200-3300 a quintal during November-December 2011 in Sedam market. The MSP announced by Government for the crop for this year is Rs 3,200 a quintal,” said Demic release.