Poor rainfall hits Chambal's mustard

Morena, MP, Nov 30 (UNI) Clouds of uncertainty are hovering over cultivation of mustard that is equated with gold in Madhya Pradesh's Chambal region.

''The targeted sowing area in this district for 2007 was 1,39,000 hectares but sowing has taken place over 72,200 ha thus far primarily due to inadequate precipitation,'' Deputy Director (Agriculture) N R Bhaskar told UNI.

Of the district's eight tahsils, sowing has been negligible in six. Last year's sowing target of 1,36,000 ha was exceeded by ten ha.

Paucity of rain is reflecting on wheat farming as well as sowing has taken place over 8,000 ha against a target of 65,000 ha.

''Release of water in the Chambal canal will enhance sowing of wheat,'' Mr Bhaskar added.

UNI