In view of forecast of 10 per cent less monsoon this year, a meeting of Krishi Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan at Mantralaya on Monday approved strategy and contingency action plan for farming in accordance with agriculture climate zones. Director Meteorology Centre, Bhopal Anupam Kashyapi informed the Krishi Cabinet meeting about situation of monsoon in India and Madhya Pradesh. He informed that monsoon in the State will be delayed by one week. It would enter the State on June 17-18 and spread all over the State by June 25.
In view of forecast of deficient rains, the Chief Minister directed to advice farmers to sow early ripening crops. He also said that paddy crops should not be sown in the areas devoid of adequate irrigation facilities. Seed of Mahamaya specie of paddy has been removed from production plan to avoid their access to farmers. The CM said that power supply should not be affected till September in any way. He directed to keep ready zone-wise and district-wise contingency plans for crops.
The meeting was informed that in tandem with Madhya Pradesh Council for Science and Technology (MAPCOST), Agriculture Department will get prepared satellite imagery of sowing area. For this, an MoU will be signed with MAPCOST. It was also informed that rain-fed crop area has shrunk to 34 lakh hectares from 76 lakh hectares due to availability of irrigation facility. There is adequate storage of water in state’s reservoirs. Even after irrigation, 37 per cent water is stored. Reservoirs will fill upto the brink on arrival of monsoon.
Agriculture Minister Gaurishankar Bisen, Water Resources Minister Jayant Malaiya, Industries Minister Yashodhara Raje Scindia, Cooperatives Minister Gopal Bhargava, Animal Husbandry Minister Kusum Mahdele, Revenue Minister Rampal Singh, Tribal Welfare Minister Gyan Singh, Forest Minister Gaurishankar Shejwar Minister of State for Narmada Valley Development lal Singh Arya, Chief Secretary Anthony DeSa and Principal Secretaries of concerning departments attended the meeting.