33 districts in Bihar declared draught affected

This is second year in a row, when Bihar has received less than satisfactory rains

Due to deficient rainfall, Bihar government on Wednesday declared 33 out of 38 districts of the state as draught affected. It would be second year in a row, when the state is facing draught situation.

The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting presided over by the Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Principal Secretary, Cabinet Coordination Department, Brajesh Mehrotra told, "Taking into account of erratic and deficient rainfall, the state government has decided to declare 33 districts as draught affected. These districts have been worst hit by the scanty rains."

Overall, the state has received deficient rainfall by 25% at 668.6 mm as against annual average at 892.2 mm. The monsoon, also, lasted only 15 days in Bihar as against the normal 45-46 days.

This is the second year in a row, when Bihar received less than satisfactory rains. The paddy crop has been worst hit by this dry spell. The Principal Secretary (Disaster Management Department) Vyasji said that the plantation of paddy has shrunk by 20 percent due to scanty rainfall this season. Due to erratic and deficient rainfall, the underground water table has declined, making irrigation more difficult. On measures to tackle the drought, the officials said the state government would provide assistance to farmers under the state disaster response corpus and the central disaster response corpus with immediate effect.

Vyasji informed, "The collection of land rent and cess, irrigation charge, electricity bills and cooperative loans from the farmers in 2013-14 have been deferred. Measures would also be taken to save standing crops, star farming of alternative crops, creating employment for rural people and to take care of the cattle." He also said that the situation in the remaining five districts of Arwal, Banka, Rohtas, Kishanganj and Araria was being monitored and the state government would decide appropriately if the standing crops start to dry up.

Bihar produces almost 7-8 million tonnes of paddy every year. However, due to continued dry spell, the paddy production in the state is expected to less than 6 million tonnes. However, the officials said that it would be too early to predict.