This Article is From Aug 08, 2009

Drought crisis in India: PM steps in

Drought crisis in India: PM steps in
New Delhi:

Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh had one message for drought affected states -- India has enough foodgrains to tackle a drought and states should get tough with hoarders.

Dr Singh gave the message at a meeting of all state chief secretaries in New Delhi, which was called in to assess the situation in various drought-like states.

Dr Singh admitted it's a difficult time for farmers.

"Agricultural operations have been adversely affected in several parts of the country causing distress to farmers. A deficit of more than six million hectares has been reported in paddy, which is the worst affected crop," he said.

The PM also assured the states of all assistance to tackle the situation, but also had a few suggestions:

  • Rain deficient states should try alternate crops that requires less water
  • Plan better for the next Rabi crop to compensate for the loss in Kharif season
  • Focus on water conservation

A drought will impact both consumers as well farmers. While for the consumers it means rising food prices, for the farmers it could mean one more year of no income; one more year of desperation.

The Prime Minister pointed out that some states had not fully utilised Central funds meant for agriculture. So, it's now time for those states to plan better for farmers and help them with seeds, fertilisers and credit.

"We need to be aware of the possibility that reduced production of Kharif crops in the current year may have an inflationary impact on the prices of food in the coming months," the PM said.

But it's the growing protest against rising prices that's the immediate worry for the government. The government has been facing flak from various political parties for rising prices.

"Our party will organise a protest against price rise August 17," BJP president Rajnath Singh said.

"This is the worst drought ever. The government should declare a famine and should do something to control price rise," said said SP leader Mulayam Singh Yadav.

It's clear that rising food prices is soon becoming the dominant political issue.

.