Special packages for farmers in Garhwa, Palamau and Chatra likely
Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Thursday asked Deputy Commissioners to be prepared with alternative plans at block levels to be implemented in case the drought-like situation arising out of a deficit monsoon deteriorates further in the State.
Talking to media persons after a meeting held by Soren to review the situation arising out of scanty rainfall, Chief Secretary Sajal Chakraverty said that the State Government is serious on the matter and is regularly monitoring the situation of rainfall.
"Even though the situation is not alarming, the State Government is fully prepared to tackle the situation and will take every possible step to ensure that farmers get relief," said Chakraverty. Interestingly, MNREGA has failed in those districts receiving scanty rainfall, he added. Chakraverty was referring to Ramgarh and Palamau districts.
Soren also directed Chakraverty to monitor the status personally by coordinating with different departments. He also asked the Agriculture Secretary to ensure all possible help to farmers and take all steps necessary to provide relief to them. He also asked the Chief Secretary to arrange seeds of alternate crops to be distributed among farmers in case of emergency.
"The Disaster Management department is also fully prepared and funds could be made available as soon as drought is declared in the State," the Chief Secretary said.
Chakraverty added that even though there has been low rainfall, weather experts say that there are still chances of heavy rainfall in the State. "A final decision will be taken by the government after monitoring the weather conditions for few more days," he said.
He has been directed to monitor the situation of sowing in the State till July 31, after which the government will announce packages followed by a review meeting. Soren also asked the officials to expedite the process of purchasing seeds for the farmers.
After watching the presentation given by the Agriculture department, the Chief Minister also recommended special packages for Garhwa, Palamau and Chatra as the situation of rainfall in these districts is less than average. The CM also asked Chakraverty to take adequate steps in the light of MNREGA not functioning properly in these three districts.
The meeting among others was attended Principal Secretary to CM Sukhdev Singh, Agriculture Secretary Nitin Madan Kulkarni and Disaster Management Secretary Arun Singh.