As rainfall deficit stands at 39%, centre takes review of Maharashtra's drought preparedness

A meeting to review the drought preparedness and kharif activities including progress of sowing in Maharashtra was held today under the co-chairmanship of Samuel Praveen Kumar, Joint Secretary (Extension), Department of Agriculture, Govt. of India and Sunil Chavan, Commissioner of Agriculture, Govt. of Maharashtra in Commissionerate of Agriculture, Pune.

The rainfall deficit in the state stood at 39% as on date and during the month of July the monsoon is expected to pick up in the state as per IMD.

While Konkan region has received above normal rainfall, it has been deficient in other regions including Marathwada, Vidharbha and Madhya Maharashtra. "However, considering the fact that over the next two weeks rainfall is likely to be either normal or above normal, the outlook is quite optimistic," said a release.


During the meeting, Dilip Zende, Director of Agriculture, Govt. of Maharashtra highlighted the measures being undertaken for drought preparedness in the state. "It was acknowledged that all the instructions of the Central Government for drought preparedness have been received by Maharashtra and that planning is underway accordingly and that necessary steps will be taken from time to time as per need," the release said.

"The meeting was held at a crucial juncture to take care of any eventuality that may arise in the event of a drought like situation in the state due to deficit rainfall and to ensure that all the contingent measures are planned and put in place," the release stated.