Less rains: Odisha govt to provide 40,000 pump sets to farmers

Bhubaneswar: With 111 of the 314 blocks in Odisha receiving less than average rainfall so far, the state government today decided to provide 40,000 water pump sets to farmers at a subsidised price, besides supplying quality seeds and fertilisers.

"The government has decided to provide 40,000 water pump sets to farmers in rainfall-deficient areas. A subsidy of Rs 15,000 will be given on each pump set," said agriculture secretary Rajesh Verma after attending a meeting presided over by Chief Secretary G C Pati.

Verma said Pati has issued direction to the energy department to energise 13,000 deep borewells before August 15.

"All these facilities will be given for the purpose of life saving irrigation," Verma said, adding, the cooperation and agriculture departments have been told to ensure that farmers get adequate seeds, fertilisers and other essential items for cultivation.

The agriculture secretary said though the average rainfall in the month of June and so far in July have been normal, 111 blocks have received less or deficient rainfall.

Only 76 blocks got rainfall more than average while 127 blocks got normal rainfall, he pointed out.

Verma said the government was concerned over the situation in the 111 blocks, which have received deficient rainfall.

Keeping in view the changing climate, the state government feared that the situation might be bad in such areas, he said, adding, seeds which required less water would be provided to the farmers.

Stressing on counselling of farmers, Verma said about 20.52 lakh hectares of land were under cultivation during this Kharif season.

"The Chief Secretary has directed to review the situation arising out of deficient rainfall every week. The field officials are told to act swiftly to save cultivation," Verma added.