Sharad Pawar-led EGoM on drought likely to meet on August 9

NEW DELHI: The empowered group of ministers (EGoM) on drought, headed by agriculture minister Sharad Pawar, is likely to meet on Thursday to review the drought situation in the country. It will be the second meeting of the EGoM and the first after the weather office officially declared deficient rains this year, signalling a possible drought this year after 2009.

Last week, agriculture minister Sharad Pawar and rural development minister Jairam Ramesh visited drought-hit Karnataka, Maharasthra, Gujarat and Rajasthan to take stock of crops, fodder and drinking water supply.

Agriculture secretary Ashish Bahuguna told ET that the situation in states like Karnataka, Gujarat and Rajasthan continues to be worrisome. "However, situation has slightly improved in some parts of Maharashtra. The EGoM will review the situation and decide on the future course of action to mitigate the adverse impact of deficient monsoon rains," he said.

In the first meeting held on July 31, the panel had announced a slew of measures, including a relief package for drinking water to states facing drought-like situation and 50% diesel subsidy to farmers to save standing kharif crops.

Bahuguna said that the states have been advised to implement measures to save standing crops. "There is deficit in pulses sowing as Rajasthan is not getting rains. There is still time for pulses sowing. If it rains, the deficit will be narrowed down," he said. He said that the eastern, southern and central parts of the country are getting good rains. "The sowing is on in these states and rain deficiency is narrowing down every day. From a deficit of 21%, a few days back, it has come down to 18% on Sunday. There is definitely some improvement as far as overall rains are concerned," he said.