Bhopal: Kharif sowing has been completed in 121.43 lakh hectare during Kharif season in the state till date. The condition of Kharif crop sowed in the state is satisfactory. No special damage to crops has been caused by the insects so far. Despite less rains in comparison to the normal rains in some areas of the state, the growth of crops is satisfactory owing to the required moisture. According to Director Farmers Welfare and Agriculture Development Mohanlal, sowing activity of kharif crop is almost completed. Programme was fixed in the state for sowing in 132 lakh hectare area. 92 percent sowing has been completed till date. Under the grain crops during kharif season, a programme was fixed to sow paddy in 23.60 lakh hectare area. Paddy has been sowed in 18.06 lakh hectare area so far which is more than last year.
Besides, a target to sow maize in 12.85 lakh hectare area was set and against this maize has been sowed in around 13.11 lakh area more than the target over last year. Farmers have shown keen interest in maize sowing. Under the kharif season, grain crops have been sowed in a total of 36.20 lakh hectare area.
Besides, soybean has been sown in 48 lakh hectare area till date. A programme was laid down to sow soybean in 53 lakh hectare area in the current year. Sowing activity has been completed in about 54 lakh hectare area under the oil seeds crops this year. Cotton has been sown by the farmers in 5.80 lakh hectare area. Pulses crops have been sowed in 25.88 lakh hectare area in the state including 100 per cent Tuar in 6.50 lakh hectare area and Urad in 17.16 lakh hectare area. Average rainfall of 480 mm has been recorded in the state till date. Normally state records 550.9 mm normal average rainfalls till second week of August.