Jaipur, March 19: Used in the manufacture of beer largely, the barley production in Rajasthan has, of late, become somewhat more paying to the farmers. This year, however, its total production is likely to dip to 3.74 lakh tonnes as against last year's 4.26 lakh tonnes.The area under the rabi crop has also fallen to 1.98 lakh hectares compared to 2.16 lakh hectares last year. The target for the year fixed by the state agriculture department was 2 lakh hectares. Apart from beer, barley is also used in the households and in some parts it is used as well for fodder consumption.
The fall in the area is again due to less rainfall this year, when compared to the previous year. It needs only four watering as against five to six in case of wheat.
Barley is also sold out of Rajasthan by the traders to the beer plants and the price fetched is somewhat remunerative. ``The demand has picked up with the setting of some new beer plants in the country,'' says a leading trader.In Rajasthan the beer plants are mostly located in the Alwar region and their demand has been on the rise. ``We purchase from the traders directly,'' says a beer plant owner. There is no forward trading of the crop as such.
This year the market of barley will see some activity due to fall in production, believe traders. The current rate prevailing in the market ranges from Rs 600 per quintal to Rs 650 per quintal. The new crop is likely to hit the state in the next 15 days or so. Compared to wheat, the arrival of the new barley crop is faster in the mandies of the state.
After the season is over, the barley price may begin to rise giving good returns to the traders. The farmers hardly have any hoarding capacity.Barley is grown mostly in the districts of Jaipur, Sikar, Ajmer, Alwar, Tonk and Bhilwara among others. Reports say that if the present consumption trend of barley continues, the farmers may take up its cultivation in larger areas. ``It depends on the returns,'' said a trader.
The department is also encouraging the crop as it needs less watering compared to wheat which is a major rabi crop in the state. The agriculture university is also doing extensive research work on developing new varieties of the barley seeds so as to increase its yield. Field demonstrations have also been held in the state on the use of the new seed varieties and the fertilisers.
``The proper and timely use of fertilisers could increase the yield per hectares,'' said an official.
Copyright © 2000 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.