Kharif Crop Season (Agriculture)
Kharif Crop Season (Agriculture)
Why In News:
India is facing a 43% rainfall deficit so far in the current monsoon season, according to the government.
This significant shortfall - classified as 'Large Deficient' under IMD's standard categories - has raised concerns about the impact on Kharif crops.
What are Kharif Crops?
Kharif crops are sown at the beginning of the monsoon season (June-July) and harvested around September-October. They depend critically on monsoon rainfall for germination and early growth.
Major Kharif crops: Paddy (rice), Maize, Jowar, Bajra, Cotton, Groundnut, Soybean, Tur (Arhar) dal, Urad, Moong, and Sugarcane.
India's Monsoon System
The Southwest Monsoon (June-September) accounts for approximately 70% of India's total annual rainfall of ~117 cm.
The monsoon traditionally enters Kerala around 1 June and advances northward in two branches: the Bay of Bengal branch (faster, reaches Northeast India first) and the Arabian Sea branch (covers western India).
The Northeast Monsoon (October-December) brings critical rainfall to Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Sri Lanka.
Key Policy Mechanisms
Minimum Support Price (MSP): Announced by CCEA (Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs) based on recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP). Covers 23 crops including major Kharif crops.
National Food Security Act, 2013 (NFSA): Guarantees subsidised foodgrain to 67% of India's population (75% rural, 50% urban) under the Antodaya Anna Yojana and Priority Household categories.
Price Stabilisation Fund (PSF): Established in 2014-15, PSF is any fund created to absorb extreme volatility in selected commodity prices.