Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has expressed concern over less rainfall in the state this monsoon season. On Friday, he has instructed the officers to provide all possible help to the farmers for the convenience of agricultural work. Told the officers to provide 12 hours power supply to the farmers including diesel subsidy. Water Resources Department and Small Water Resources Department should make necessary arrangements for irrigation so that paddy planting is done on time.
CM Nitish gave instructions
CM Nitish has asked to hold the weekly meeting of the Crisis Management Group under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary regularly and keep an eye on every situation. The Chief Minister reviewed the situation arising out of scanty rainfall at ‘Sankalp’ located at 01 Ane Marg. Principal Secretary to CM Deepak Kumar, Chief Secretary Aamir Subhani, Vice President of Disaster Management Authority Udayakant Mishra, representatives of Meteorology etc were present in the meeting.
Instructions given to monitor
The Chief Minister directed the officials of the Water Resources Department to ensure water supply for agriculture till the last end of the canals and to monitor it. Also told other officers to keep monitoring the water conservation works under the Water-Life-Greenery campaign. Make sure that there is always availability of drinking water for the people. He said that all concerned departments should be fully alert. Disaster Management Authority should also keep an eye on the situation. He said that there will be no shortage of resources. Disaster victims have the first right on the state treasury. Agriculture is the basis of livelihood of 75% of the people of the state.
The representative of India Meteorology told the CM..
The representative of India Meteorology told the CM that there is a possibility of light rain between July 21 and July 27. There was 85 mm of rain in June this year. This is 48% less than the normal 163.3 mm. From July 1 to July 21, there was 152.30 mm of rain. This is 47% less than the normal 242.4 mm. From June 1 to July 21, 238.3 mm of rainfall was received, which is 41% less than the normal of 405.7 mm.
online application for diesel grant from saturday
Farmers will apply online for diesel subsidy from Saturday. For irrigation with diesel pumpset, subsidy will be given at the rate of Rs.75 per litre. A grant of Rs 750 per acre will be given for irrigation of Kharif crops. Paddy spacing will get Rs 1500 per acre for maximum two irrigations of jute. A grant of Rs 2250 per acre will be given for a maximum of three irrigations of paddy, maize and other kharif crops. Diesel subsidy will be given for a maximum of eight acres per farmer.
Normal rain in four districts
Additional Chief Secretary of the Disaster Management Department, Pratyay Amrit said that there has been normal rainfall in four districts of Buxar, Kishanganj, Bhagalpur and Araria. On the other hand, there has been deficient rainfall in Samastipur, Saharsa, Saran, Begusarai, West Champaran, East Champaran, Shivhar and Sitamarhi. He gave information about district-wise sowing of paddy.
Less than normal rainfall in 26 districts
Siwan, Supaul, Rohtas, Arwal, Katihar, Bhojpur, Aurangabad, Banka, Lakhisarai, Bhabua, Madhubani, Gaya, Jamui, Darbhanga, Sheikhpura, Vaishali, Madhepura, Purnia, Nawada, Jehanabad, Khagaria, Munger, Patna, Nalanda, Gopalganj and Muzaffarpur have received less rainfall.
So far 42% paddy planting in Bihar
So far 42% paddy has been planted in Bihar. Maximum 85% planting has been done in Saharsa division and minimum 4% in Bhagalpur. 9 in Magadh, 13 in Munger and 30% in Patna, 45% in Darbhanga, 65% in Tirhut, 50% in Saran and 80% in Purnia. 100% litters have been cast. Compared to last year, more paddy has been sown this year.