Pawar hopes run into seed shortage

The note continued: ‘‘More seed demand for rabi 2004, particularly for wheat, gram, barley, rapeseed and mustard, lentil, peas, winter maize, are anticipated. Therefore all states… which had deficient rainfall during June-July should go for early sowing of toria, rapeseed and mustard, taramira, linseed, safflower, lentil, gram.’’

The state governments were also requested to review their seed production programmes and seed availability in advance and tie up with state seed corporations, National Seeds Corporation, State Farms Corporation of India, Nafed, Kribhco, Iffco and private seed companies to make up the shortfall in seeds.

Pawar’s high hopes seem especially misplaced in view of the sharp decline in kharif (summer) foodgrain production by over 10 per cent and the low area coverage under kharif crops at 95.7 million hectare (till September 13) as against 101.6 million hectare in the same period last year.

The minister’s estimations seem to be based on expectations that rabi output will touch 135 million tonnes. At the moment, it seems highly unrealistic.