The torrential rainfall in Madhya Pradesh has taken a toll on kharif crops spread across 6.1 mln ha, mainly soybean and urad, affecting about 5.6 mln farmers, a senior official with the state government told today. "Heavy rains in the state has claimed lives of 674 people and nearly damaged 60.7 lakh (6.1 mln) ha kharif crops. The state has disbursed around 77 crore (770 mln) rupees so far to the affected people," the official said. The state plans to send teams to conduct surveys and assess the loss after the water recedes to safe levels. According to the initial reports, losses of over 120 bln rupees have been reported, he said. During Jun-Sep, the state received over 44% above-normal rains, while the most-affected western parts of the state recorded 61% higher-than-normal showers, India Meteorological Department data showed. However, in first two days of October, the western parts of state registered a whopping 735% above-normal rains, while eastern parts recorded 392% higher-than-normal rainfall, the weather bureau said. Rain activity is seen subsiding in a week in the state. The state is the leading producer of soybean and urad. Madhya Pradesh accounts for nearly 45% of the country's soy crop. Farmers in the state have planted soybean across 5.5 mln ha, and urad around 1.6 mln ha, according to data from the farm ministry. The situation in Madhya Pradesh has prompted many industry veterans to lower the estimate for soybean crop. In 2019-20 (Jul-Jun), soybean output is seen at 9.0 mln tn in the country, down nearly 13% from 10.3 mln tn a year ago, Govindbhai Patel, managing partner, G.G. Patel & Nikhil Research Co, told Cogencis in an interview. The state has sought 100 bln rupees from the Centre to provide relief to flood-hit farmers and urged the government to fast-track the proposal, the official said. Source - http://www.cogencis.com