This Article is From Jun 28, 2009

No drought-like situation in India: Pawar

New Delhi:

Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar on Sunday sought to dispel fears of an impending food crisis because of a delayed monsoon.

Speaking in New Delhi after his return from a foreign tour, Pawar said there was no drought-like situation anywhere in the country and the Centre was ready with a contingency plan.

"The stock of wheat, rice and sugar is more than sufficient and this year, wheat and rice procurement has been more than last year," said Pawar.

"The Met department's projection for rainfall in July and August will improve the situation a lot," he added.

The Met department has predicted 93 per cent of normal rainfall in July and more than normal rain in August.

Though Pawar insists there is no drought like situation in the country, Manipur has already declared itself to be drought hit.

The agriculture minister has said that the stock of essential commodities like wheat and rice is more than sufficient.

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