Guar seed acreage increases in north Gujarat

Patan, 30 April 2012

The area under guar seed cultivation in north Gujarat’s Patan district has increased this summer.

The area under guar seed cultivation in Patan this season stands at 780 hectares, compared to 20-30 hectares last season. Such growth is thanks to timely availibility of Narmada water, and higher remunerative prices in export market.

Taluka wise figures of Guar sowing in Patan district are following: Harij- 410 ha, Paan 165 ha, Sami 100 ha, Siddhpur 90 ha and Chanasma 15 ha.

The remunerative prices fetched by guar farmers are primarily because of firming up guar derivatives demand in the export market. The growth in demand is primarily fueled by the oil and food industries that accounts for more than 60 per cent consumption of guar derivatives.

According to local office of Agriculture department, guar seed crop adds nitrogen to the land. Guar seed crop is also useful as fodder. Farmers of Patan have considered these points before shifting to guar seed crop. Earlier 20 kg of guar seeds could attract price in range of Rs 680-700, the price mark lastly crossed Rs 5,000.

The other crops sown in Patan this season are; Bajri 13690 ha, Juvar fodder 13950 ha, vegetables 1869 ha and fruits and other crops 3305. Total sowing is 7000 ha more than previous summer.