North Maharashtra records 10% decline in kharif show

NASHIK: The four districts of North Maharashtra — Nashik , Dhule, Jalgaon and Nandurbar — have registered a 10% drop in kharif sowing due to poor rainfall.


As per the available data, out of the total projected area of 21.19 lakh hectare, sowing has so far been carried out on 18.52 hectare (around 90%).

“In Nashik district, sowing has been completed on 82% of the projected area, while in Nandurbar it is at 88%. Dhule is on top with 96% followed by Jalgaon (95%),” an official from the state agricultural department said.

“The 10% drop in sowing is mainly due to drop in plantation of paddy in Nashik and Nandurbar due to inadequate rains,” he added. The western part of Nashik district, comprising Igatpuri, Surgana and Peth talukas, is a major paddy belt and that region has received less rainfall.

“Nandurbar also belongs to the paddy belt. However, sowing has been carried out on only 58% of the total projected area of 1.06 lakh hectare in North Maharashtra. It includes 78,000 hectare in Nashik and 23,000 hectare in Nandurbar,” the official said.

“But there is still scope for paddy plantation till August 15 if these areas receive good rainfall,” he added.