Truant Rains May Spoil the Party for Guar Farmers Acreage in Rajasthan doubles this season as guar gum prices soar 10-fold in a year

Deficient rains in parts of Rajasthan may spoil the party for overenthusiastic farmers who have expanded guar acreage this kharif season. Rainfall over the state is scanty with a deficit of 72% that might cut guar production by 10-15%, estimates Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, a national institute which carries out basic and applied research in rain-fed farming. However, the institute says the output may go down up to 25% if the state doesn't receive sufficient rainfall till July-end.  "Guar crops may be impacted if there is no sufficient rainfall till July-end," said Dr B Venkateswarlu, director, CRIDA. The institute has said maize and sorghum yield may fall whereas good rainfall would ensure normal production of soyabean and cotton. Rajasthan contributes nearly 80% of total guar production in India and the crop requires 4-5 regular rains till it is sown. About 80% of the crop is sown in rain-fed regions such as Jodhpur, Balmer, Bikaner and Jaisalmer which are awaiting rains. Farmers in irrigated regions such as Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Bharatpur and Alwar have sown the crop with the help of stored water. Rajasthan is expected to double guar acreage to 60 lakh hectares from 30.5 lakh hectares last year on good returns. Guar gum prices soared to . 34,000 per quintal earlier this year from . 3,000 per quintal a year ago whereas guar seeds were sold at . 350 per kg than . 30 per kg a year ago.  "There is a big concern among farmers as a large number of them are dependent on rain for this crop," said PK Hisariya, president, All India Guar Gum Growers Association.  Last year, US-based oil and gas firms bought huge volumes of guar gum which is used as a sealant in oil and gas production. Guar gum is traditionally used in the making of sauces, ice cream and confectionaries. India, which is the world's largest producer of guar beans and guar gum, exports nearly 80% of the crop.  tapash.talukdar@timesgroup.com  Poor rains may cut output by 15%