New Delhi, July 10 (Inditop.com) Admitting that the delayed monsoon was a “real and serious problem” in north India, the government Friday hoped the situation “will definitely improve”.
“It is true that the whole country is worried about monsoon recession as on today, particularly Vidarbha,” Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said during question hour in the Rajya Sabha.
“As compared to last week, as per reports which we are getting, there is improvement in certain areas,” he said, adding: “The real and serious problem is essentially in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, western UP, part of Bihar and Himachal Pradesh.
“In these areas, there is more serious problem. Problem is serious throughout India, particularly in these regions it is more serious,” the minister said.
Pawar also pointed to the two contingency plans the government had prepared to deal with the situation.
“One is normally prepared prior to the monsoon. Under this plan, we provide seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides to all states which has been done. The second contingency plan is prepared when sowing operation is completed.
“Suppose there is no rain. Then the farmer has to sow second time. In such a situation, we require additional seeds. We have kept additional seeds with the government,” Pawar said.
“The second plan is also ready. As on today, we are going with the first plan and I hope that the situation will definitely improve,” the minister added.
According to the latest estimates of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), cumulative seasonal rainfall during this year’s monsoon has so far been 43 percent below the long-term average.
Out of 36 meteorological sub-divisions, rainfall was excess or normal in seven and deficient or scanty in 29 meteorological sub-divisions.
The IMD has announced the monsoon in the country to be “below normal” this year.
India receives 75 percent of its annual rainfall during the southwest monsoon, between June and September. Thus, this period is crucial for India’s food production, as 60 percent of the country’s farms depend on rain.
