February 2001

India's 2001/02 winter grain season has been characterized by unusually dry weather. The weak monsoon during the entire month of September left much of the wheat region with inadequate soil moisture. The dry soil conditions likely resulted in a drop in sown area as farmers waited for planting rains, which failed to materialize. Very low precipitation amounts were recorded in most wheat growing states during the optimal planting and establishment period of mid-October to mid-December, and dryness continued through January. Irrigated wheat (which comprises 80 percent of India's total) should do well if temperatures and pest pressures remain low. Neighboring Pakistan has experienced similar weather conditions this season: dry conditions in rainfed areas which may reduce yield potential. However, losses may be partially offset by favorably cool temperatures in irrigated wheat areas.

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