MP records bumper mustard crop

Aided by favourable weather and insect-free conditions, mustard output has witnessed a bumper harvest in the Chambal belt of MP this season, registering a 3-4 quintal jump a hectare compared to past.

The quantum of mustard output was estimated at 17 quintal a hectare this year in the Chambal belt, comprising four districts of Morena, Gwalior, Bhind and Sheopur, while it never went beyond 14 quintals a hectare till last year, officials said.

Due to prolonged dry spells for the past three years, mustard production had decreased in last two years, but this year bumper crop was produced due to suitable weather conditions and a good monsoon in 2003, they said, adding damage by insects was also minimal.

Popularly known as "peela sona" as it helped change farmers' fate, mustard crop witnessed increased sowing this year due to good weather, sources said.