Erratic rains may affect kharif yield in MP

Even though Madhya Pradesh received better monsoon rains as compared to other parts of the country, uneven distribution of rainfall could hit the yield of major kharif crops, especially soybean.

The major kharif crops of the state include soybean, pulses and paddy.

Excessive rain in the western parts of the state has resulted in crop damage while deficient rains have affected soybean crop other parts, said agriculture expert Sachin Bondriya.

“The soybean yield in Malwa region could be around 800-900 quintals per hectare as compared to an average yield of 1,300. The yield in Nimar region will also be hit while the crop condition is very good in the northern parts of Madhya Pradesh,” he said.

“However, there should not be any major impact on the yield of pulses as long as weather in September remains favourable.”

Out of total estimated sowing area of 59 lakh hectares in MP, soybean crop is in very poor condition in 7.77 lakh hectares and stressed in 10.6 lakh hectares, Soybean Processors Association of India said in a statement.

“Due to the absence of rains after sowing, weedicides could not be sprayed. ... Except for Malwa and Nimar regions of Madhya Pradesh, the crop condition is normal,” it said.

The condition of pulses, however, is relatively better with cultivation area of urad, tur and moong estimated to have increased over the previous year. However, the pulses need another spell of rain in September.

According to state agriculture department, farmers have grown urad on 10.63 lakh hectares, tur on 8.33 lakh hectares and moog on 2.01 lakh hectares.

During the Kharif season in 2014, soybean yield was 1,086 quintals per hectare while production was 60 lakh tonnes.