The State has recorded six per cent less rainfall so far. While Puri and Jagatsinghpur districts witnessed shortage of rainfall till July 22, Malkangiri recorded the most impressive shower.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik while reviewing the rainfall status at the Secretariat here on Thursday directed the concerned officials to renovate the canals in the two districts on a war footing to help the farming sector. Officials were also directed to activate the defunct lift irrigation points as soon as possible.
Stressing on carrying out a contingency plan, the Chief Minister directed the officials to focus on a four-point programme of the Agriculture Department like short-term paddy, pulses cultivation and electrification of lift irrigation points.
He also stressed on weekly reviews of rainfall and farming status.
Agriculture Minister Pradeep Maharathy, Chief Secretary GC Pati and many senior Government officials attended the meeting.