Loan relief for soya growers in MP

Despite reports of good soya cultivation, the Madhya Pradesh government has allowed soya growers of the state a year's relief in repaying loans, because of "pest attacks". This was decided in the first meeting of the new cabinet, headed by Chief Minister Babulal Gaur.

Industry sources, farmers' associations, and processors told Business Standard there were no reports of damages or pest attacks. Even Government Spokesperson Aruna Sharma told Business Standard, "We will have a bumper this year."

A soya grower and processor from the Malwa region said it was a ploy to extract aid from the Centre.

There will be a survey, and an all-party delegation will meet the Prime Minister on assistance.

The Malwa region (western Madhya Pradesh) is the main soya-growing area in the state.

The Soyabean Processors Association of India (SOPA) says the output has been good. "We will send a team to conduct a survey. We are expecting a bumper crop this year, say, about 45 lakh tonnes," said Rajesh Agrawal, chairman of the association. There will be a crop estimation in about 10 days.

Kailash Vijayvergiya, minister for parliamentary affairs, said the state government had yet to do a survey in this regard. The agriculture department has sent preliminary reports. He said 50,000 acres of soya had been damaged in Chhindwara, and 28,000 acres in Seoni. A detailed report would come soon, he said.

According to some official sources, soya in Harda, Hoshangabad, Seoni and some other districts have been damaged because of pest attacks. Some companies are reported to have supplied spurious insecticides and pesticides.

"Action will be taken against those who supplied spurious fertilisers. Collectors have been instructed to monitor the situation," Vijayvergiya said. FIRs had been lodged against some, official sources said.

Madhya Pradesh produces 85 per cent of the soyabean cultivated in the country, and 25 lakh tonnes of soyameal and soya oil. The turnover of the soya industry of the state is Rs 6,000 crore.