The Centre today said it is too early to estimate the production loss in Rabi crops caused by recent unseasonal rains and has asked the states to take measures to protect the standing crops.

"It is a temporary phenomena. There has been damage in areas where rains were 8-10 cms, while rains of 1 cm in some rainfed areas benefited late sown crops," Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh told reporters outside Parliament.

To check price rise, he said, the state governments have also been asked to send proposal to use funds under the Price Stabalisation Fund for procurement of potato and onion.

Stating that the Centre is closely monitoring the situation, Singh said that the state governments have given initial estimate of damage of crops and they will submit their final figures after proper assessment.

Asked if there would be any fall in Rabi production, the Minister said: "It is too early to estimate. We would be able to tell after the states submit their report."

The ministry has issued advisories to help farmers drain out excess water from farm fields and reduce the impact of waterlogging in crops, he said.

India's foodgrains production is estimated to fall by 3 per cent to 257.07 million tonnes in 2014-15 crop year on expected decline in output of rice, coarse cereals and pulses due to erratic rain.

Wheat production is projected to drop slightly to 95.76 million tonnes in 2014-15 crop year (July-June) from 95.85 million tonnes in the previous year, the Agriculture Ministry had said in a statement while releasing the second estimates.

Source - http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/