Partial drought-like situation in Bihar, admits government

Observing that a partial drought-like situation has gripped Bihar, the state government on Friday said a slew of measures have been taken to tackle the calamity, including provisioning for Rs 776 crore to provide diesel subsidy to farmers for irrigation.

"We are of the view that a partial drought-like situation has gripped Bihar due to rainfall shortage by 20 per cent as of now. A drought situation arises only when shortage of rainfall shortage stands at 50 per cent," Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh informed the Assembly.

Replying to a debate on drought, he said only 41 per cent paddy plantation has been completed this season due to deficient rainfall but the farmers have two more weeks to plant paddy saplings.

"The situation can be brought under control if the weather God is kind to us during the remainder of the monsoon season," he said.

Drought situation has been afflicting Bihar for many years, Singh said, adding nobody had control over weather.

Like previous years, remedial measures have been taken to mitigate the woes of the farmers and ensure their livelihood, he said.

Singh said the state government has provisioned for Rs 776 crore to provide diesel subsidy to the farmers for watering their land through alternative sources like boring and electric tube-wells and seeds would be provided to them for alternative crops that required less watering.

Besides, arrangements would also be made for fodders for cattle heads.

Singh said Chief Minister Jitan Ram Manjhi was concerned with the drought-like situation and a committee of principal secretaries headed by the chief secretary has been set up to monitor the situation.

He urged BJP members to use their rapport with the NDA government at the Centre to get whatever assistance that could come to Bihar to address this natural calamity.

Singh said he apprised Union Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh about the drought-related situation in Bihar and requested him for his support to tide over the crisis.

The chief minister too has written to the union minister apprising him of the situation, he said.