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Rabi sowing is expected to pick up this fortnight following good rainfall in almost all parts of the country. Crop scientists have advised farmers to make best use of moisture in the soil. Early sowing of Rabi crops, especially mustard and rapeseed, is being recommended in the northern plains which have received exceptionally good rainfall in the last two weeks.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has stated that in the first fortnight of this month, the entire northern belt has received normal to excess rainfall. The national average rainfall in this period has been 50% above the normal.
Agriculture scientists are also advising farmers to harvest Kharif crops as the weather is expected to be dry throughout the country except some coastal areas in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
The Central Water Commission (CWC) has reported increase in water storage in major reservoirs, mostly in Andhra Pradesh and Orissa. At the end of last week, out of 71 major reservoirs monitored by CWC, 31 were full by over 80% of their capacity and 51 above half their live storage capacity.
The Weekly Weather Watch Group which takes stock of weather, credits, input and other aspects of agricultural production, was informed that enough stocks of fertilizers and seed were available for the Rabi season. No major pest prevalence except caterpillar infestation in Madhya Pradesh has been reported.
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