7/23/2004 (BERNAMA) NEW DELHI-- Delayed monsoon and deficient rains in themain oilseeds growing areas of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat,are likely to affect adversely the 'Kharif' (summer) oilseeds production.

"Oilseeds output will definitely be lower this year. But the percentage ofdecline will have to be ascertained," the financial daily, the HinduBusiness Line says, attributing the statement to B.V. Mehta, ExecutiveDirector of Solvent Extractors Association of India (SEA).

Though the monsoon finally hit central and north-western parts of thecountry last week, it has been delayed by a fortnight. However, therainfall has been sporadic and insufficient, the Chennai-datelined reportsaid.

"For example, in Saurashtra, there have been only showers and no goodrainfall," Mehta said.

Saurashtra in Western India is one of the main regions for groundnut cropduring the summer season.

Soyabean production also faces problems in view of poor rainfall,particularly in Madhya Pradesh in Central India and Maharashtra in theWestern part.

"While rains can help the crop that have been sown, it is not enough forthe second round of sowing," Mehta said.

The Nimad area in Madhya Pradesh, where soyabean is grown on a largescale, has been affected due to a wide gap between the pre-monsoon showersand setting in of the monsoon. Germination in the area has been hit due tothis and replanting would be required.

"Even for re-planting we require good rains. In such a situation, we doubtif it is possible," he said. saying.

Rainfall between June 1 and July 14 has been lower by 44 percent in westMadhya Pradesh, 50 percent in Rajasthan, 30 percent in Saurashtra, 35percent in the rest of Gujarat and 36 percent in Vidarbha.

"In view of a bleak outlook, we expect the crushing units to face problemsdue to lack of raw material," Mehta said.