MP govt launches rescue measures to save soya crop

Issues directives to release canal water, ensure sufficient power

The state government has directed release of canal water and sufficient power for farmers to save the rain-deficient kharif crop by irrigation. “As many as 19 districts have received scanty rain. The chief minister has issued directives to ensure farmers can irrigate and revive the soya and other kharif crops,” Rajesh Rajora, secretary, agriculture and farmers’ welfare, told Business Standard.

The council of ministers reviewed the situation on Wednesday. Rajora declined to comment on the status of crop and damage so far. “A survey would reveal the situation,” he said.

Field reports and bodies such as the Soyabean Processors Association of India (Sopa) paint a sombre picture. “My crop has turned yellow. The podding is also poor and the size is not even average,” said Vikram, a farmer close to this city.

Shahdol, Satna, Sidhi, Rewa, Katni, Anuppur, Ratlam, Harda, Mandsaur, Badwani and Neemuch districts have had below normal rain. Some others such as Bhopal, Mandsaur and Harda have had the normal amount but no rainfall for the past week to three weeks.

Of the 12.6 million hectares, 3-3.5 mn might fall “under stress”, say department sources.

Rajesh Agrawal, ex-chairman of Sopa, said: “We fear that 20-25 per cent of the area is under stress. Sopa is conducting a survey. Podding is not even average and plant growth has remained subdued in Malwa, Ujjain and the Hoshangabad-Harda belt. The indication is that production would remain stagnant, though there was an increase in the sown area this season.”

Sopa had earlier estimated a good crop this season, though there was a prolonged dry spell during July. Soya was sown on an estimated 11.4 mn ha this season across the country. Last year, it was 11.1 mn ha and production was 9.96 mn tonnes.
 

The soya industry is already facing low import duty and an increase in imports of soya oil. Similarly, soyameal exports have declined by 42% in August to 91,834 tonne against 1,56,942 tonne of oilmeal. Soyameal is used as animal feed in various countries.