Lok Sabha Question No. 558 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2019-06-25
Subject: Precautions for Monsoon and Drought Conditions
Ministry: AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Asked by: Faizal P.P. Mohammed

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, COOPERATION AND FARMERS WELFARE

## LOK  SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 558

TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 25 TH   JUNE, 2019

## PRECAUTIONS FOR MONSOON AND DROUGHT CONDITIONS

558. MOHAMMED  FAIZAL P.P.:

Will the Minister of AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE कृ ष एवं कसान कयाण मंी be pleased to state:

- (a) whether  the  Government  has  taken  any  precautions  for  monsoon  and  drought conditions  in  the  upcoming  agriculture season;
- (b) if so, the details thereof;
- (c) whether  any  measures  are  being  taken  by  the  Government  to  expand  outreach  and extension of farmers; and
- (d) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER  OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE

कृ ष एवं कसान कयाण मंी (SHRI NARENDRA SINGH TOMAR)

(a) to (d): Yes,  Sir.  Based  on  the  first  stage  forecast  of  India  Meteorological  Department (IMD) for South-West Monsoon, a detailed advisory has been issued to all States/UTs on 25 th April, 2019, for reviewing the States' preparedness  in  managing  any  weather  related contingency for mitigating the adverse impacts of an aberrant monsoon. Second Advisory has also  been  issued  to  the  States  on  1 st June,  2019.  The  State  Govts.  have  been  advised  to update/fine-tune  the  District  Agriculture  Contingency  Plans;  to  tie-up  the  availability  of  seeds and other inputs for implementing the Contingency Plans; to select suitable crops and cutivars for promoting less water consuming crops; to promote agronomic practices for conservation of moisture  ;to  make  necessary  arrangements  for  life  saving  irrigation;    to  restore  irrigation infrastructure; to make use of technological interventions towards water conservation.; to extend support to farmers in the form of inputs, credit & extension and to sensitize field functionaries of State Agriculture Departments for effective implementation of contingency measures. Progress of  Monsoon  and  Area  coverage  etc.  are  monitored  weekly  through  Weather  Watch  Group meetings  as  well  as  video  conferencing  advising  the  States  to  take  steps  according  to  the prevailing situation. District Agriculture Contingency Plans for 648 districts have been prepared by  Central  Research  Institute  for  Dry  land  Agriculture  (CRIDA)  to  mitigate  the  situation  in drought affected areas. There is a provision of distribution of seeds of contingency crops such as pulses, millets, oilseeds which are drought hardy and survive with minimal available water in rain fed/ drought affected areas under National Food Security Mission (NFSM). States also have been made aware about the latest know how/ technology during National Conference on Kharif - 2019.   Government of India supports and facilitates the State Governments through many Centrally Sponsored and Central Sector Schemes to promote agriculture in the country to boost farmers' incomes   through various schemes.

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