DMs asked to review crop condition every week
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday asked the district Collectors to review the crop condition in their districts on a weekly basis in view of the scanty rainfalls.
While holding a review meeting through video conferencing at the Secretariat here, Patnaik also stressed on making provisions for safe drinking water, livestock care, agricultural loans and lift irrigation and undertaking of labour intensive programmes. He asked the Collectors to continue to supply drinking water through tankers.
Barring three districts, Nabarangpur, Baleswar and Koraput, all other districts have received 56 per cent less rainfall.
The CM directed the Panchayati Raj Department to prepare plans in advance for undertaking labour intensive programmes, especially in southern and western parts. He asked the Balangir and Nuapada Collectors to provide 50 days more work under MGNREGS.
The Chief Minister directed concerned officials to ensure farmers loan facilities by July 31 and to make provision of immediate fresh loans to farmers in event of crop damage. He also wanted that short-term farmers loans into medium-term if such a situation arises.
He also asked the Water Resources Department to draw plans for abundant water for irrigation and drinking in all reservoirs. Besides, he asked officials to ensure power supply to all existing lift irrigation points and to set up new lI points.
Met Department officials present at the meeting informed that there would be some improvement in the situation in July as the State is likely to receive five percent more rainfall than normal.
Among others, Excise and Cooperation Minister Dr Damodar Rout, Agriculture Minister Pradip Maharathy, Revenue Minister Bijoyshree Routray, Chief Secretary and Development Commissioner were present.