Date:26/07/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/07/26/stories/2006072603001400.htm

Back Slow monsoon progress could hit soya, bajra

Our Bureau

Chennai , July 25

The slow and weak progress of monsoon may lead to trouble for many crops, according to a study done by the National Commodities and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX).

The exchange's "Knowledge Management Team" is attempting to track monsoon, juxtaposing its progress with position during the same time in the last five-six years. It also tries to study the vulnerability of the kharif crops in view of the deficient rainfall.

Though monsoon has covered the entire nation, its progress and distribution has been far from satisfactory.

As per the progress of monsoon, about 70 per cent of the areas where soyabean and bajra are grown could face problems. Similarly, 45 per cent of the area where black matpe (urad) is grown could be hit. This is despite the India Meteorological Department's prediction of a better monsoon behaviour in West Rajasthan and central India. Other crops that look vulnerable to the erratic monsoon are maize (44 per cent) and sesame (34 per cent).