Is it permissible to pay Zakat on crops in cash instead of the crops themselves?

Scholars have differed regarding giving the monetary value instead of the actual item due in Zakat. The majority hold that it must be given from the same type of wealth, while a group of scholars are of the view that it is permissible to give the monetary value if it is more beneficial for the poor, and this is the more preponderant opinion. Accordingly, it is permissible to give Zakat as money instead of agricultural produce if that is more beneficial for the poor.