Question : IMPACT OF FALLING MONSOON ON AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION

(a) whether the Union Government have called an emergency meeting of the State representatives to discuss the drought situation;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Union Government have assessed the impact of failing monsoon on the agricultural production;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) the steps taken by the Union Government to tackle the drought situation in the country;

(f) whether there is any proposal to issue white paper on drought situation in the country;

(g) if so, the details thereof;

(h) the number of white papers issued by the Government on natural calamities in the past; and

(i) the objective of these white papers?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (SHRI HUKUMDEO NARAYAN YADAV)

(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. The situation arising out of long dry spell during current South-West Monsoon was recently reviewed in a meeting with Agriculture and Relief Ministers of 12 major States.

(c) & (d): The situation in various States is constantly monitored to assess the loss to kharif crop due to failure of monsoon.

(e): Various Ministries/Departments are in regular contact with the affected States for suitable action.

(f): There is no such proposal at present.

(g): Does not arise.

(h) &
(i): No such white paper has been issued. However, in the past, the situation arising out of natural calamities has been discussed in both the Houses of Parliament through Questions and other Motions.