Amravati: The arrival of the Southwest Monsoon, delayed by approximately 15 days, has injected new momentum into Kharif sowing operations in Amravati district. Following widespread and substantial rainfall over the past two days, farmers have commenced sowing on a large scale. According to the Agriculture Department, sowing was completed across nearly 25,000 hectares in just two days, bringing the district's total sown area to 28,000 hectares so far.
On Wednesday, most talukas in the district recorded rainfall exceeding 50 mm. Subsequently, activity involving tractors and agricultural machinery intensified in the fields on Thursday and Friday. Farmers who had previously sown crops in limited areas prior to the monsoon also resumed work on their remaining fields following the rains. Due to the delayed monsoon this year, the majority of farmers are prioritizing cotton cultivation.
However, despite the favorable rainfall, rising cultivation costs remain a major concern for farmers. There has been a significant hike in the prices of seeds, tractor rentals, chemical fertilizers, and herbicides. Due to the high cost of diesel, tractor rental charges have risen from ₹800–900 per acre last year to ₹1,100–1,200 per acre this year.
Fertilizer prices are also placing an additional burden on farmers. The price of 20:20:0:13 grade fertilizer has risen from ₹1,250 per bag last year to ₹2,150 this year. Meanwhile, the price of 12:32:16 grade fertilizer has increased from ₹1,450 to ₹1,800 per bag.
Prof. Dr. K.P. Singh, Head of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Durgapur, stated that the record sowing achieved in two days is a positive sign, but the escalating cost of cultivation will impact farmers' income. Meanwhile, Milind Ingole, President of the District Agricultural Input Dealers Association, stated that the prices of fertilizers and certain pesticides have risen by 15–20 percent. While farmers are enthusiastic due to good rainfall, rising costs remain the biggest challenge of this Kharif season.
