MP: Rains claim kharif crop in 17k ha land, more loss feared

As consistent spell of rains has posed a risk to Kharif crop, state government on Tuesday warned farmers in low lying areas to avoid water logging in fields.

According to government officials, as many as 17,000 hectare of area in Sagar division has lost the crop. It would require re-sowing, said the official. On the other hand the Indian Meteorological department has said the spell will continue this week.

The agriculture department is gathering reports of losses to kharfi crop, particularly soyabean in low lying areas. Last year, Harda and Hoshangabad divisions have reported heavy losses to soya crop due to heavy and continuous rains. Most districts have completed sowing, the Sagar division had completed sowing after first spell of rains and we have received reports that 16,500 hectares in Sagar and 500 hectare in Rewa division have lost the seeds completely due to water logging, a government official said. Madhya Pradesh has received normal-to-excess rains in all districts and has reportedly completed soya sowing.