Kharif sowing in Gujarat has slowed down after a delayed start of monsoon. So far 71,89,000 hectares of area has been brought under kharif sowing, which is 500,000 hectares less compared to same period last year.

Also, the Met department has shown 4 per cent cumulative rainfall deficit in the state, which received 464.6 millimeters (mm) of rainfall during June 1 to August 19 as against the normal of 483 mm.

Two major kharif crops, groundnut and cotton did not see significant surge in the area as compared to last year. While groundnut area as on August 17 was a tad higher at 12,89,300 hectares (12,22,500 ha), area under cotton remained lower at 26,79,400 ha (29,53,800 ha).

“Rains are excess in some districts but in most parts of the State including Central Gujarat, South Gujarat and Saurashtra there were less rains. This has affected kharf sowing,” said a government official.

However, crops like paddy, white millet and pulses including tur, moong and urad witnessed steady rise in the sowing area against last year.

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