Centre allocates Rs 410-cr for drought affected districts

Aiming to minimise the impact of deficit monsoon, the Centre has allocated Rs 410 crore to 20 states and union territories this year under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY).
Agriculture Ministry today said it has observed that 219 districts in the country are frequently affected by drought in the recent past.
Realising the gravity of situation, Centre has made an effort for the first time to identify the most vulnerable areas that require immediate attention for water conservation, harvesting and ground water recharge, Agriculture Ministry said in a statement.
"Department of Agriculture and Cooperation has allocated a sum of Rs 410 crores during the current year to minimise the impact of drought and improving the ground water recharge," the Ministry said.

The funds are being utilised to improve the condition of underground water, soil moisture regime and to create micro water storages in these areas, the Ministry said adding that this will help in protective irrigation during longer dry spells.
The maximum amount of Rs 69 crore has been allocated to Rajasthan, followed by Rs 64.42 crore to Tamil Nadu, Rs 46.36 crore to Punjab and Rs 40.96 crore to Karnataka.

The Ministry also informed that the districts which are over exploited and notified by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) have also been considered for special treatment under the PMKSY to improve the condition of underground water.

These areas are witnessing regular agrarian crisis and the farmers are in the state of distressed condition, requiring special attention and support for a durable and sustainable solution.
All these have affected agriculture very adversely on ground and farmers in particular.