Ranchi, Aug 18 (IANS) A central team arrived in this Jharkhand capital Wednesday to assess the drought situation in the state, an official said. All 24 districts of the state have been declared drought-hit.

The eight-member team is headed by Vijay Kumar, managing director of National Horticultural Board.

‘We will stay here for the next three days and assess the situation,’ Vijay Kumar told reporters at the Ranchi airport.

On Monday, all the districts of Jharkhand were declared drought-hit as the state has received less than 50 percent of the normal rainfall.

Governor M.O.H. Farook has directed officials to expedite relief work and ensure alternative farming system in the state.