Drought In Odisha: Naveen Directs To Implement Contingency Crop Plan

Bhubaneswar: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday directed the government officials to implement contingency crop plan for the farmers in view of drought-like situation in the state.

Reviewing the possible drought condition in the state with the collectors and secretaries of the departments concerned through video-conferencing, the chief minister said farming activities are likely to be affected in 213 blocks which received poor rainfall this year.

Directing the Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment department to keep a watch on the ground situation and take steps accordingly, he told to ensure close coordination in implementation of contingency crop plan, irrigation systems and MGNREGS.

Naveen also told to activate all lift irrigation points in 7 days and dig farm ponds for the cultivable land of more than half an acre. The Water Resources department was directed to ensure irrigation water for the farmers in the downstream areas of the canal systems and recharge the ground water.

Chief secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra said the state has received 30% less raingall so far. Though it may pose problem for paddy crops, there is no threat to non-paddy crops, he added.

On rainfall forecast in rest of the year, regional director of the India Meteorological Department said the state is likely to receive normal rainfall of about 226.6 mm in September.

Secretaries of different departments and Development Commissioner were present during the video-conference which was coordinated by 5T secretary VK Pandian.