(a) whether agricultural and horticultural crops have been affected due to drought conditions
in the entire Maharashtra;
(b) if so, whether water sources have dried up and water level has also declined; and
(c) if so, the remedial steps taken by the Union Government in this regard?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI KANTI LAL BHURIA)
(a): Agricultural crops have been affected due to dry spell in Kharif in Maharashtra specially
in Vidharbha and Marathwada. No incidence of drying of orchards have been reported,
however, depletion in water table is critical for horticultural crops.
(b): State Government has informed that as per the report prepared by Ground Water Survey
and Development Agency, the level of ground water in September 2004, as compared to the
average of last five years, has depleted in 191 talukas, whereas it has increased in 161 talukas.
(c): Under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme on Macro Management of Agriculture, State
Government is implementing programmes like National Watershed Development Programme for
Rainfed Areas and River Valley Project, which help in recharging the ground water.