The farmers would not have to worry for irrigation as last phase of irrigation for kahrif, maninly the paddy, was done during this period. The production would substantially increase in the rain-fed areas, where rain proved to be a boon for the farmers as they would not have to depend on the expensive irrigational facilities.

The rain also came as a blessing in disguise for the rabi season, which was in the offing, sources said.

The irrigational and ploughing expenditure, which had now become dearer with 40 per cent hike in the diesel price, would be minimised as the moist content of the soil, which was increased following heavy rains, would continue for another two months.

The rain was expected to boost production in those areas, including the plateau regions, having scanty irrigational facilities. Sources, however, admitted that in some of the waterlogged areas, the rain might affect the production slightly.

The kharif yield was affected in the last season following heavy downpour in July and August, which caused flood in about 11.19 lakh hectare areas. The actual kharif production declined to 64.79 lakh tonnes against its estimated production of 95 lakh tone during the season.

Sources hoped the yield of rabi crops would be at par with its estimated poduction of 104.50 lakh tonnes in the current crop season following the recent rain, recorded in between 35 mm to 170 mm all over the state.

The government had also fixed a target to produce 11.95 lakh tonnes rabi crops in 1999-2000.

Sources admitted that the government' s role in terms of inputs in the agriculture sector was far from satisfactory and its contribution was dismal.

The government had distributed only 30 per cent of its targeted seed distribution among the farmers in the current season.