Bhubaneswar: With the state contending with deficit rainfall, the government is putting together a contingency plan to tackle a possible drought like situation. This was informed by Agriculture Secretary SK Vashisth after attending a high-level review meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra Monday.
“At least 30 blocks in 15 districts are experiencing moisture stress condition. In places where paddy cultivation has suffered damage due to low rainfall, farmers would be encouraged to grow alternative crops amid the dry spell,” he said.
Stressing that his department is preparing a contingency plan to help the distressed farmers, Vashisth said senior officials present at the meeting also discussed ways to make the best use of the existing irrigation projects.
District Collectors have been instructed to organise coordination meetings between Pani Panchayats and power distribution companies (Discoms) and initiate steps to rejuvenate defunct lift irrigation points and bore wells.
Instructions were also given to expedite repairing of all canals to ensure that water reaches the tail end of the canal, he pointed out.
Vashist said Collectors have been directed to ensure that agricultural workers get jobs under MGNREGS or other state schemes as and when necessary.
“The Chief Secretary has given directions for creation of 20 lakh more mandays in rain-deficit districts to provide employment to farmhands. The state has thus far created 10 lakh mandays under MGNREGS,” he added.
All District Collectors have been asked to prepare necessary action plans to mitigate the dry spell. Mahapatra has directed preparation of block and panchayat-wise contingency plans in all districts.
PNN