Kharif crop in better position

Indore, Sep 8 (UNI) Despite late arrival of monsoon this year in Madhya Pradesh, Kharif sowing was in a better position as compared to last year.

Sowing was completed in 99 lakh hectare, which is nearly 95 per cent of the state's target, while only 91.44 lakh hectare was covered last year.

Soya bean sowing was completed in about 99 per cent area with satisfactory rains across the state, says a release of the Agriculture department. Sesamum indicum (sesame) seeds have been sown in 2.45 lakh hectare against a target of 1.50 lakh hectare.

About cent per cent sowing has been completed in Ujjain and Indore regions, while in other regions it was between 88 and 96 per cent.

Against the target of 16.90 lakh hectare, paddy was sown in 13.88 lakh hectare. Sowing of other crops like Sorghum (Jwar), Maize, Pigeon pea (Tuwar), Black gram (Urad), Soya bean, Groundnut and Cotton was almost close to the target.

Above average rains were recorded in Neemuch, Sidhi, Mandsaur, Barwani, Ujjain, Dhar, Jhabua, Khargone, Anuppur and Ashoknagar districts, while average rains lashed 23 districts and in the remaining 15 districts it was a bit less than average till August end. It is still raining in most of the districts which may reach the average range very soon.

Seeds, fertilisers as well as pesticides are available in sufficient quantities to meet the requirement of farmers, the release added.

UNI XC SP SRS DS1650