New Delhi: Expecting the monsoon to pick up pace next week, Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh on Tuesday said the government is prepared to deal with any eventuality in case of a shortfall.
"Met department has forecast monsoon to become active from July 6. This will improve the situation," Singh said.
The minister said the government is "fully prepared" to tackle any situation arising out of a below-normal monsoon in the country. Contingency plans are ready for 500 districts.
The India Meteorological Department has forecast this year's monsoon will be 93 percent of the long-term average.
The monsoon was weak in June, with as much as 91 percent deficient rainfall in parts of Gujarat. The country got 98.1 mm of rainfall, which is 43 percent less than normal.
Conditions are expected to improve in July and August.
Earlier in the day, a delegation from Maharashtra met the agriculture minister to discuss the monsoon situation.
"Monsoon is delayed. Western India is expected to be worst affected and drought-like situation might prevail in some pockets," Singh told reporters after the meeting.
A separate contingency plan will be worked out with state governments for drought-prone regions, such as Vidharbha in Maharashtra, to ensure there is no shortage of drinking water and fodder, he said.
"Vidharbha region is drought-prone. We will think of all possible measures to help farmers so that they are not forced to commit suicide due to crop failure," he added.
Singh said the loss in sowing of kharif crops will be compensated if monsoon rains improve after July 6.
He also said the Agriculture Ministry will soon move a cabinet note on providing diesel and seed subsidy if states declare drought in some areas.
On rising vegetable prices, Singh said, "We have to improve the supply system, though there is no shortage in onion and potato production in the country."
A delegation-led by Maharashtra BJP President Devendra Fadanvis updated the minister about the monsoon situation in the Vidharbha region and sought special measures to tackle the possible drought this year.
