Southern States - Karnataka

Foodgrain production expected to be 104 lakh tonnes

By Our Special Correspondent

Bangalore June 6. The foodgrain production in the State during 2002-2003 is expected to be 104.05 lakh tonnes — 96 lakh tonnes of cereals and 8.05 lakh tonnes of pulses.

The expectation is based on past performance, the State's requirement, and anticipation of normal seasonal conditions. The production last year was 83.05 lakh tonnes against the target of 102.03 lakh tonnes, as it was an exceptional drought year.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, S. Subramanya, the Additional Director, Seshagiri, and the Joint Director, S.C.V. Reddy, told presspersons here today that the production target for oilseeds, tobacco, and cotton had been fixed at 17.90 lakh tonnes, 0.56 lakh tonnes, and 10.20 lakh tonnes, respectively.

During the kharif season, the target was to cover 69 lakh hectares under various crops, including cereals (33.99 lakh hectares), pulses (12.06 lakh hectares), oilseeds (16.45 lakh hectares), cotton (three lakh hectares), and sugarcane (2.90 lakh hectares). Sowing had already been done on 2.01 lakh hectares.

The kharif season started a week ago and the prospects were good. There was adequate stock of seeds, barring groundnut. There was also no problem with regard to availability of fertilizers and pesticides, Dr. Subramanya said.

As regards availability of groundnut seeds, action had been taken to get stocks as the problem was anticipated last October itself. Dr. Subramanya said there was a peculiar trend, with the use of pesticides coming down. The consumption, which was 4,600 tonnes five years ago, had come down to 2,800 tonnes last year and it was projected at 2,100 tonnes this year.

One of the reasons was the strict enforcement of the ban on DDT. But there was no shortage of pesticides. The other reason was the introduction of integrated pest management programmes.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Southern States

News: Front Page | National | Southern States | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Obituary |

Stories in this Section

• Young couple done to death
• Vatal sparks another controversy
• Authority to develop Brindavan Garden on the anvil
• Foodgrain production expected to be 104 lakh tonnes
• Nominations leave many Congmen sore

Copyright © 2002, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu