The Rajya Sabha on Wednesday took note of the possibility of drought-like situation developing in the country with members suggesting ways to combat the crisis. The suggestions included restoration of water bodies, effective use of MNREGA, loan interest waivers and financial relief to the farmers.
Taking part in a short duration discussion on deficient rainfall and prevailing drought situation, the members urged the Government to take sufficient measures to prevent farmers from suffering. In the wake of demand by some States for tweaking in the existing MNREGA scheme, and even the Economic Survey suggesting need for revamping MNREGA
Former Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh listed out how MNREGA can be used to negate the impact of drought and asked the Government to end uncertainty over it and use it for drought fighting. Pointing out that NDA’s Rural Development Minister Gopinath Munde, who died recently in a car accident, was appreciative of MNREGA, Ramesh suggested extending number of working days under MNREGA, developing fodder land to prevent shortage of animal fodder and ensuring drinking water to deal with the emerging crisis.
Former Agriculture Minister and NCP chief Sharad Pawar urged the Government to direct co-operative banks and NABARD to help farmers in loan interest payment. Pawar suggested preparation for Rabi to meet shortfall arising out of the failure of Kharif cultivation.Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav and KC Tyagi of JD(U) suggested the Government to implement a Supreme Court directive on restoring water bodies like pools and ponds, and sought improvement of PDS. BSP’s Brijesh Pathak suggested speeding up of river linking while D Raja (CPI) cautioned the Government against price rise.