Central India may experience drought: Agriculture Minister

Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh on Tuesday warned of drought-like conditions in Central India. Mr. Singh’s statement follows an India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) release showing 61 per cent rainfall deficiency in the region in June.

With 43 per cent deficiency across the country, it was the fourth driest June recorded since 1901. However, conditions are expected to improve in July and August, the IMD has said. The Agriculture Ministry plans to put before the Cabinet a proposal to provide diesel and seed subsidy in areas declared drought-affected by the States, Mr. Singh said.