Centre to provide additional work to farmers in drought-hit areas

The government has decided to provide additional 50 days of work to farmers in drought-hit areas under the MGNREGA scheme to provide relief to them in view of deficit monsoon in various parts of the country.

The 100 days of work scheme has been provided to rural job card holders under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

The decision was taken after monsoon deficit on Monday reached 16 per cent across the country, which could possibly affect crops and rural income.

In a statement, Agriculture Ministry said that the Centre has decided to provide an additional 50 days of unskilled manual work in the current financial year, over and above the 100 days assured to job card holders, in such rural areas where drought or natural calamities has been notified.

Rural Development Secretary JK Mohapatra said that a decision in this regard was taken yesterday. He said the drought areas will be notified in consultation with states.

Already, Karnataka has declared drought in 27 out of 30 districts, while Maharashtra, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are also likely to declare drought-hit areas in their states.

The move will enable states to provide additional wage employment to rural poor in drought affected areas.