Even as monsoon gains substantial momentum in several parts of Chhattisgarh, the State Government on Friday ordered preparation of emergency plans for atleast five rain deficient districts.
Agriculture Minister Brijmohan Agrawal in a meeting held here called upon the officials of the Department to undertake relief works and prepare emergency plans for alteast five rain deficient districts in the State.
The five districts mainly— Surajpur, Mahasamund, Gariabandh, Korba and Mungeli are yet to receive sufficient rainfall during the ongoing monsoon season.
The Minister also reviewed agriculture scenario besides making an assessment on quantum of rainfall received in various districts of Chhattisgarh so far.
Agrawal ordered posting of five State-level officers in the aforesaid districts. The officials will tour the rain starved districts and prepare a report on the relief needed. Steps will be taken to grow short-term paddy and pulses crop to help farmers tide over the situation, officials informed.
Agriculture Department Additional Chief Secretary Ajay Singh, Indira Gandhi Agriculture University (IGAU) Vice-Chancellor Dr S. K. Patil , Chhattisgarh Kamdhenu University Vice-Chancellor Dr U.K. Misra , Chhattisgarh Agriculture and Seeds Development Corporation Managing Director Sameer Vishnoi, Mandi Board Managing Director Narendra Shukla, Director of Horticulture Narendra Pande, and senior officers of various departments were also present in the meeting. Agrawal directed official to get construction of 'bunds' done on small rivulets and canals .
He directed the officers to create awareness among the masses regarding the facilities and schemes being provided to the small farmers in the remote corners of the district. He stressed upon the need to supply mini-kits and 'Makka' seeds.
Agrawal added that Horticulture Department officials should distribute mango, guava, Jamun, Katahal and Munga saplings from August 16 to the farmers free of cost. Special counters should be opened for this purpose.
The Horticulture Department should take steps to grow fruits-bearing saplings in their nurseries, he said, adding, nurseries should be upgraded for this purpose to grow one crore saplings this year. Agrawal called upon the officials to grow 10,000 'Tenis Chheku' saplings at their nurseries. There is a wide scope for growing the crop in Chhattisgarh, he said.
He added Agriculture, Horticulture and Seeds Development Corporation should develop five farm houses as 'Model Houses'. These farm houses will serve as training centers and crop exhibition centers. Meanwhile, the State by Friday (August 5) had received 626 mm of average rainfall, officials informed here. Narayanpur district has received highest average rainfall which is at 1045.2 mm. According to the data released by Revenue and Disaster management department Mantralaya (Mahanadi Bhawan), North Bastar (Kanker) has received 1005.8 mm, Bijapur 998.5 mm, Bastar 848 mm, Kondagaon 838.1 mm, South Bastar (Dantewada) 775.4 mm, Sukma 741.7 mm, Raigarh 736.2 mm, Janjgir 683.4 mm, Dhamtari 631.9 mm, Jashpur 596 mm, Balrampur-Ramanujgunj 580.2 mm, Rajnandgaon 566.5 mm, Balod 564.9 mm, Korba 560.2 mm, Gariaband 542 mm, Durg 536.1 mm, Bilaspur 536 mm, Korea 526.2 mm, Mahasamund 519.9 mm, Raipur 504.4 mm, Baloda Bazaar Bhatapara 497.8 mm, Bemetara 494.7 mm, Kabirdham 447.2 mm, Surguja 406.8 mm, Mungeli 382.6 mm and Surajpur district has registered 336.4 mm of average rainfall. In past 24 hours State has received 29.2 mm of average rainfall.