Every possible assistance to farmers in deficient rainfall areas
Bhopal. Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that every possible assistance will be given to farmers in deficient rainfall areas. The state government is standing by farmers in this hour of crisis. Reviewing situation arising out of deficient rainfall, he directed for proper crop loss assessment.
The Chief Minister directed to chalk out an action plan to deal with the situation. He made it clear that it is duty of the state government to help farmers tide over this crisis. He said that survey of crop losses should be made fairly and sensitively. Crop cutting experiment should be done with expertise by joint teams so that farmers get maximum benefit of crops insurance scheme. Besides, other arrangements for farmers can also be made accordingly.
The Chief Minister undertook district-wise review of rain situation. He also apprised himself of situation of water storage in state’s dams and reservoirs for irrigation, power, availability of seeds and fertilisers. He directed that fertilisers should be distributed properly. Besides, farmers should be advised to undertake sowing operations in accordance with soil moisture and also grow crops needing less irrigation. They should also be alerted against caterpillars.
Farmers Welfare and Agriculture Development Minister Shri Gaurishankar Bisen informed about crop situation in the state. It was informed that 22 districts have received normal, 22 districts below normal and 7 districts have received excessive rains. The state has registered total 823.3 mm rainfall. Kharif crops have been sown in 126.35 lakh hectares, which is more than last year. Irrigation water will be given in 24 lakh hectares for Rabi crops like last year. Adequate power for irrigation will also be supplied. The state has adequate storage of seeds and fertilisers.
Agriculture Production Commissioner Shri P.C. Meena, ACS Finance Shri Ajay Nath, ACS Narmada Valley Development Shri Rajneesh Vaish, Principal Secretary Water Resources Shri Radheshyam Julaniya, Principal Secretary Agriculture Dr. Rajesh Rajora, Principal Secretary Cooperatives Shri Ajit Kesari, Principal Secretary Energy Shri I.C.P. Kesari, Principal Secretary Revenue Shri K.K. Singh, Commissioner Land Records and Settlement Shri Rajiv Ranjan and Secretary to CM Shri Vivek Agrawal attended the meeting.
