Excessive rains raising fears of floods and pest attack\, likely to affect crop output

Pune: Persistent bursts of torrential rain, particularly in central and western India, is threatening crop output that was so far expected to rise to a new record and make agriculture the best performer in the Covid-hit economy.

The southwest monsoon has turned vigorous in August after a deficient July, raising fears of floods and triggering pest attacks on crops. Rainfall this month has been 23% above normal in the country, with many parts of central and western India, including Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, receiving much more than average rain.

The current spell of heavy rain has damaged urad and soyabean in central and western India. Excess rainfall may persist as the rain-boosting La Nina forecast is expected in the weeks ahead.

“All talk of a massive crop of soybean and groundnut now seems to be getting moderated with the rains showing no signs of relenting,” said Atul Chaturvedi, president of trade body Solvent Extractors' Association.

Ratings agency Crisil says the possibility of excess rainfall due La Nina is a risk factor for the forecast of summer-sown crop output rising 5%-6% to a new record.