'Sanagapappu' production to rise in Andhra, thanks to the good rains
By Dheeshma Published on 29 Jan 2020 9:27 AM GMT
Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh will witness an increase in the production of Sanagapppu (Bengal gram) production as the cultivation acreage has risen by one percent over the previous year’s land.
According to a study, ‘Rabi Estimate Report 2020’ that was prepared by private weather station Skymet, rains between October and December benefited Andhra Pradesh and helped spread the cultivable acreage.
Though several parts of the State remained almost dry during the Rabi season, south coastal parts recorded good rains in the first fortnight of January.
India is the world’s largest producer and consumer of Bengal gram. It produces around 10 million tonnes, accounting for about 70% of the total global production.
Mainly sown during September-November and harvested in February, the crop duration is 90-120 days, depending on the variety produced. Experts say it is best suited to areas, which experience low to moderate rainfall and mildly cold weather.
As per the data released by the Ministry of Agriculture on January 24, the area under Bengal gram in the country is up by 11% compared to the corresponding period last year. Good rains in October have helped sowing of the crop across key producing States, says the Skymet study.
During 2018-19, production has been recorded at 10.13 million tonnes. This was 11% lower than the production of 2017-18, where in it recorded the highest- ever production of 11.38 million tonnes.
Madhya Pradesh is the largest producer of Bengal gram in the country. It accounts for over 40% of the total production. Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh contribute about 16%, 15%, 7%, 5.2% and 5.1%, respectively.
