Question : Effect of Slow Monsoon and Deficient Rainfall

(a) whether the Government has conducted any assessment on the slow progress of the monsoon situation, deficient rainfall and drought in the country, if so, the details thereof and the likely impact of slow monsoon or deficient rainfall on agriculture and agricultural production in the country;

(b) whether the Government has estimated the number of districts that have been affected due to drought, lack of sufficient rainfall and depleting underground water and if so, the details thereof, State-wise;

(c) whether sowing of Kharif crops is likely to be delayed due to late arrival of monsoon and if so, the details thereof along with the likely impact on Kharif crops;

(d) the steps taken by the Government to counter the deficient rainfall in different parts of the country;

(e) whether the situation is grim particularly in western region of the country, if so, the details thereof and the corrective measures taken by the Government in this regard; and

(f) whether the Government intends to release any financial package to help such States and if so, the details thereof along with the details of funds to be allocated?

MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

???? ??? ????? ?????? ?????? (SHRI NARENDRA SINGH TOMAR)

(a): As per second India Meteorological Department (IMD) Long Range Forecast, released on 31.05.2019, rainfall over the country as a whole for the 2019 South-West Monsoon Season (June to September) is likely to be NORMAL (96% to 104% of the Long Period Average). Recently, there has been progress in the advance of Monsoon which was initially slow.
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(b): As per the provisions of Drought Manual, 2016, the responsibility of declaration of drought rests with the States. However, no State Government has requested for financial assistance from NDRF during the current Kharif 2019 season.

(c): The area coverage under Kharif crops 2019 has increased significantly during this week due to good improvement in monsoon/rainfall, in comparison to last week. The sowing of Kharif crops will continue upto first fortnight of August.

(d): Advisories have been issued to all States/Union Territories before the onset of Monsoon 2019 season for reviewing the States’ preparedness in managing any weather related contingency for mitigating the adverse impacts of an aberrant monsoon. They have been advised to update/fine-tune the District Agriculture Contingency Plans; to tie-up the availability of seeds and other inputs for implementing the Contingency Plans; to select suitable crops and cultivars for promoting less water consuming crops; to promote agronomic practices for conservation of moisture; to make necessary arrangements for life saving irrigation; to restore irrigation infrastructure; to make use of technological interventions towards water conservation; to extend support to farmers in the form of inputs, credit & extension and to sensitize field functionaries of State Agriculture Departments for effective implementation of contingency measures. Progress of Monsoon and Area coverage etc. are monitored weekly through Crop Weather Watch Group meetings as well as video conferencing, advising the States to take steps according to the prevailing situation. District Agriculture Contingency Plans for 648 districts have been prepared by Central Research Institute for Dry land Agriculture (CRIDA) to mitigate the situation in drought affected areas. There is a provision of distribution of seeds of contingency crops such as pulses, millets, oilseeds, which are drought hardy and survive with minimal available water in rain fed/ drought affected areas under National Food Security Mission (NFSM).



(e) & (f): As per second IMD’s Long Range Forecast, released on 31.05.2019, seasonal rainfall is likely to be 94% of LPA over North-West India. In the eventuality of natural calamities, the State Governments are empowered to initiate necessary relief measures from State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), which is readily available with them. Additional financial assistance, over and above SDRF, is considered from National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), on the receipt of Memorandum from State Governments and in accordance with extant norms and procedures.


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