Drought threatens Maharashtra jowar cultivation as Solapur sowing faces decline
Agriculture officials fear a 40 to 50 per cent reduction in the state's jowar area due to depleted soil moisture.
Worsening drought conditions in Maharashtra are threatening rabi jowar cultivation, with the Solapur district facing a significant drop in sowing, according to The Times of India. Agriculture officials in the state estimate that the total area under jowar could shrink by 40 to 50 per cent or more from its average of 13.25 lakh hectares if dry conditions continue.
In Solapur, which is the state's largest jowar-growing district, officials fear sowing might fall below 50,000 hectares, compared to its usual average of 2.75 lakh hectares. The crisis is also affecting other districts such as Dharashiv and Ahilyanagar.
Solapur district agriculture officer S Bhosale told The Times of India that several tehsils lack the soil moisture required to recommend sowing this season. While the department has urged farmers with available well or borewell water to plant the crop, officials said the response has been poor as farmers are reluctant to take risks.
The shortage could impact the local economy in Magalveda, a town known for its GI-tagged Maldandi jowar variety. A senior agriculture department official from Solapur described the situation as extremely grim and predicted a sharp decline in the area under cultivation.
In some markets, jowar prices have already reached Rs 10,000 per quintal for certain varieties. A trader from Pune told The Times of India that prices might increase further if there is a supply shortfall, potentially making the staple harder for consumers to afford.