Drought-like situation in Bihar: Agriculture Minister

Patna: Bihar Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh on Sunday said there is a drought-like situation in many districts of the state due to rainfall deficit, but ruled out immediately declaring the affected districts as drought-hit. As many as seven districts have received 60 to 81 per cent less rainfall than normal, while the deficit in 24 other districts has been around 20 to 59 per cent, he said. Only five districts have received normal rainfall, while two others - Araria and Kishanganj - have got more than normal rainfall this season, he said.

In totality, the entire state has witnessed rainfall deficit of 27 per cent against normal, Singh said. The minister said the state government has provided diesel subsidy at the rate of 10 litres for one acre of farmland with standing crops, and an alternative crop scheme has been approved under which the farmers will be given seeds for other crops that can be cultivated with less water. In all, the state government has sanctioned Rs 784.50 crore to provide diesel subsidy and alternative crop schme to the farmers, he said. PTI