Facing curious situation of drought and flood this year, the Bihar Government on Wednesday declared 33 out of total 38 districts as drought-hit. A rainfall deficit of 37 per cent has forced the State Government to make this announcement.
The farmers facing the drought will now be given diesel subsidies, tax rebates and increased electricity supply to run pumps for irrigation to any alternative crops. The Government official said that against an annual average of 892.2 mm rainfall this year the rainfall has only been 668.6 mm.
“We kept on waiting for rainfall but it did not happen. We found that deficit during the sowing season was as much as 37 per cent,” said Vyasji, Principal Secretary of State Disaster Management Department. The Government officials said that monsoon lasted only for 15 days in these affected districts against the normal 45-46 days.
“It’s because of the rain deficit the underground water table has declined alarmingly in districts facing drought situation,” said an official, adding that the adverse situation has also affected the agriculture production, animal husbandry and employment generation for the people of the State.
In the remaining five districts Banka, Rohtas, Kishanganj, Araria and Arwal the situation is being monitored by the State Government. “If the standing crops start drying up in these districts too, the State Government would take required decision at the right time,” an official said.
Earlier, altogether 20 districts of the State were reeling under flood in which about 173 people had died and several thousands were displaced.“Both drought and flood have wrecked havoc in the State with production of paddy and other crops damaged badly,” said Ajay Singh, a young farmer of Gaya district.
Alarmed with the rain deficit this year, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar wanted to declare most of the districts as drought-hit much earlier but, said sources, he was advised to wait for some more time for the late monsoon.