Kharif crop cultivation exceeds target area in Madhya Pradesh

BHOPAL: The sowing of Kharif crops, including soybean, has exceeded the targeted area in Madhya Pradesh during the current season, with 121 lakh hectares area already covered against the target of 104 hectares.

"Target of Kharif sowing, including soybean, has been exceeded in Madhya Pradesh. As of now, Kharif crops have been sown on about 121 lakh ha," a Public Relations department official said today.

The total area under Kharif crops in the state is 104 lakh ha. Among Kharif crops, soybean has been sown on over 58 lakh ha, against the target of 56.50 lakh ha. Last year, soybean crops were sown on an area of 55.46 lakh ha, the official said.

Besides mainstay Kharif crops, farmers have also taken more interest in oilseed and pulse crops. Paddy has been sown on 17.75 lakh ha, maize on 10.87 lakh ha, jowar has been sown on 2 lakh ha, he said.

Among pulses, tuar has been sown on 5.86 lakh ha, urad on 9.12 lakh ha, groundnut on 2.34 lakh ha and cotton has been sown on 5.46 lakh ha.

According to the Director, Agriculture department, general condition of crops is good, he said.

Timely advice and plant protection materials are being provided to farmers in the areas from where news of insect and disease attack on soybean is being received. Control rooms have been set up at state and district level to advise farmers on control over crop diseases, he said.

Agriculture scientists and officers are constantly undertaking field visits and taking necessary action, he added.