ICAR Contingency Plans Ready for Drought-Hit Districts, Centre Assures Farmer Support

The Centre has assured farmers affected by drought and floods of all possible support, with Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan saying contingency plans have been prepared to help states deal with adverse weather conditions.

Chouhan said the government is coordinating with state administrations to provide assistance to farmers facing crop losses. He said some states were dealing with floods while others were experiencing drought, which he described as adverse effects of climate change.

For drought-affected areas, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and other concerned institutions have prepared district-specific contingency plans. These plans have been shared with state governments and districts to guide farmers when rainfall is low.

The plans identify crops that can be grown in a shorter period and those requiring less water. Farmers are also being advised on measures suited to conditions of deficient rainfall, according to the minister.

The Agriculture Ministry has also established seed banks and made alternative arrangements to support farmers when a crop fails. Chouhan said alternatives had been prepared for the next crop, along with interim arrangements to help farmers respond to crop losses.

The ministry has issued advisories to state governments and is maintaining contact with administrations in affected areas.

In Maharashtra, where the state government has declared drought in 74 per cent of the state, the Centre is coordinating with the state government on the situation. Chouhan said contingency plans for affected districts were ready.

For flood-hit areas, Chouhan said the Centre would provide all possible support in coordination with state governments. He acknowledged that the situation in such areas was serious but said farmers would receive assistance.