Chief Secretary Basant Pratap Singh apprised Central Team who are on visit to the State to take Stock of drought situation in the State. Presentation was given on the basis of drought manual 2016 before the 10 members team led by the Joint Secretary of Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, PK Borthakure, which is on tour to the State.
State level review about status of crop sowing, moisture in soil collected on scientific basis, availability of water in dams etc. was put before the centre team. Details about drinking water in drought affected districts, possible arrangement for transportation of drinking water, status of fodder were given to the centre team.
The central team was informed that Gwalior, Shivpuri, Ashok Nagar, Vidisha, Sagar, Tikamgarh, Damoh are the most affected districts. Sheopur, Morena, Bhind, Datia, Chhatarpur, Panna, Satna, Sidhi and Shajapur districts are also affected by drought. Beauhari and Jaisingh Nagar of Shahdol district and Manpur Tehsil of Umaria district are also affected by drought. 2.46 crore population of 17749 villages of 18 districts of the state has been affected by drought. Crop worth Rs 6126 crore has been damaged due to Rs 97.52 lakh hectare being affected with drought.
The State Government has sought assistance of Rs 3,705.95 crores from the centre under Krishi Adan, drinking water, fodder supply and other items. The central team will visit Sagar, Damoh, Vidisha, Tikamgarh, Gwalior, Shivpuri and Ashok Nagar districts.
Agriculture Commissioner PC Meena, Principal Secretary, Agriculture, Rajesh Rajora, Principal Secretary, Revenue, Arun Kumar Pandey, Principal Secretary, Co-operatives KC Gupta, Principal Secretary, Urban Administration, Malay Shrivastava, Principal Secretary, Animal Husbandry, Ajit Kesari and other officials were present.