Despite adverse weather, Karnal set to surpass last year’s wheat arrival
Despite facing adverse weather conditions during the beginning and mid days of harvesting, Karnal district is all set to surpass last year’s total arrival, indicating a bumper crop that had flooded the grain markets. The Deputy Director, Agriculture (DDA), attributed this year’s bumper arrival to improved wheat varieties and farm practices.
As per the data, various grain markets and procurement centres across the district have recorded an arrival of 80,17,059 quintals of wheat till April 28 from April 1, date of official starting of procurement. The total arrival of wheat during last season was 80,39,616 quintals. As per the officials, still around 5-7 per cent area is yet to be harvested and the arrival is likely to achieve a new record. However, when comparing the arrival of both seasons from April 1 to 28, this season the district has recorded a surplus arrival of 7,98,587 quintals compared to the same period last year. During this period last season, the district had seen an arrival of 72,18,472 quintals of wheat.
The crop cutting experiment data of the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department has already indicated a bumper production this season. It has found an average production of 24 quintals per acre –one quintal higher than the previous season’s average of 23 quintals per acre.
The data further said out of total arrival, 77,16,924 quintals have been procured by government agencies, while 2,38,790 quintals have been purchased by private buyers. As of now, 69,45,948 quintals of the procured wheat have already been lifted from the mandis.
“Wheat cultivation was done on 4.02 lakh acres. This year, we are expecting a bumper wheat production. Our crop cutting experiment has already indicated it. So far, the arrival in grain markets also indicated this. We are hopeful that the district will achieve a record production,” said Dr Wazir Singh, Deputy Director Agriculture (DDA), Karnal.
Assandh grain market emerged as the top contributor, witnessing a massive arrival of 15,06,927 quintals, significantly higher than 12,66,056 quintals last season till April 29. Karnal grain market received 12,72,093 quintals, up from 11,40,032 quintals during the same period last year. Gharaunda reported 9,87,239 quintals, compared to 9,16,154 quintals last year till April 28. In the same period, Taraori grain market recorded an arrival of 9,25,010 quintals in comparison to 8,78,054 quintals last year. Similarly, Indri has witnessed an arrival of 8,02,659 quintals in comparison to 6,90,591 quintals during last year till April 28. Nilokheri has recorded an arrival of 1,02,586 quintals while last year till this period it was 1,01,450 quintals. The Nissing grain market has recorded an arrival of 9,54,501 quintals in comparison to 8,50,038 quintals during last year till April 28. Kunjpura grain market has recorded an arrival of 3,16,795 quintals in comparison to last year arrival of 3,03,545 quintals, while Nigdhu grain market got an arrival of 6,44,588 quintals in compare to 6,09,128 quintals last year same period. Jundla grain market received 5,04,661 quintals in comparison to 4,63,424 quintals during this period last year. The DDA attributed this year’s bumper arrival to improved wheat varieties and farm practices.
Haryana Tribune