Bhikangaon (Madhya Pradesh): Scanty rainfall and caterpillar infestation are destroying soybean crops across Bhikangaon region, forcing farmers to abandon their fields and switch to maize cultivation.
The monsoon has failed farmers’ efforts in the region as drought-like conditions have emerged. There has been no rainfall in past eight days, with only 37mm recorded for the entire month. This scanty rainfall has put standing soybean crops in serious trouble.
Lack of rain has caused severe moisture deficit in soil, leading to crop drying and caterpillar infestation on soybean roots. The situation has become so desperate that farmers have resorted to running rotavators on their fields, destroying crops. Many are now abandoning soybean cultivation and switching to maize.
Farmers in rural areas have begun preparing for maize sowing as weather conditions have shattered hopes for soybean harvest. The crop failure threatens to bring financial ruin to already struggling agricultural communities.
Pradeep Singh Chouhan from Pokhar village warned that without immediate rainfall, farmers will face complete crop loss along with mounting debt and input costs. "If it doesn't rain within a week, the entire season will be wasted," he said.
Jitendra Singh God from Palasi village destroyed three acres of soybean crop on Sunday using a rotavator after unknown disease attacked plant roots, causing them to shrink and dry. He is now preparing to sow maize instead.
The weather department has not indicated possibility of rain, adding to farmers' concerns about the upcoming agricultural season.
Agriculture Department's deputy director Agriculture (DDA) Shiv Rajput denied crop damage claims, stating fields have sufficient moisture. However, ground reality contradicts official statements as soybean crops continue dying across village fields, forcing farmers to explore alternative cropping options.
