Industry Odisha Bureau, Jul 4: Taking stock of the situation arising out of the El Nino-triggered deficit rainfall, that has reportedly resulted in 40 per cent below-normal rainfall recorded in India in June this year, and also having been reportedly recorded to be the fifth-lowest June rainfall since 1901, the Government of India (GoI) reportedly held a high-level review meeting yesterday.
Media reports quoting officials said, “The Central Government has been on alert and reviewed the potential drought conditions in certain parts of the country due to the El Nino impact. Centre continuously reviews water availability and food security.”
It has reportedly been revealed that, “India recorded one of its driest Junes on record. The country received just 99.5 mm of rainfall during the month, around 40% below normal, making it the fifth-lowest June rainfall since records began in 1901, while Central India was the worst-affected region, recording a rainfall deficit of more than 50%.”
Media reports added that, “The Ministry of Agriculture and other concerned ministries have been directed to stay on alert and coordinate with the state governments to ensure farmers receive timely advisories on suitable crop choices based on changing rainfall patterns. The Department of Water Resources under the Ministry of Jal Shakti has also been instructed to closely monitor water availability in all large and small water bodies as well as groundwater across the country.”
Media reports further mentioned that, “The Central Government has assured that food security remains unaffected despite the El Nino-tripped deficit rainfall, because adequate quantities of essential food grains, including rice and wheat, are available in the country, and the prices of essential commodities remain stable.”
