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CII urges govt to release foodgrain to combat drought

The Confederation of Indian Industry asked the government to immediately release 20 million tones of foodgrain lying with the Food Corporation of India to help combat the severe drought, affecting almost all parts of India.

CII president Ashok Soota said that if the central government releases the foodgrain now, it would enable the state governments to get their administrative machineries in motion to reach the food to the drought affected.

The rainfall data up to now is alarming, according to CII.

Twenty two of the 36 meterological sub-division of India have had deficient or scanty rainfall.

Western UP has had a shortfall of 68 per cent, eastern UP 63 per cent, Haryana 63 per cent, Punjab 50 per cent, western MP (the oilseed belt) 36 per cent, eastern MP 49 per cent, coastal AP 30 per cent, Telengana 38 per cent, Orissa 30 per cent, Tamil Nadu 34 per cent and south interior Karnataka 42 per cent.

Even "rain surplus" Kerala has suffered from a 35 per cent deficit, CII added.

Alarmed at the worst drought confronting the country in 15 years, a united Opposition slammed the government in Lok Sabha accusing it of failing to take prompt steps to mitigate the plight of the people.

Participating in a special discussion on drought and floods in some parts of the country, they demanded immediate relief including additional foodgrains, fodder and essential commodities to the affected states to tide over the crisis besides waiver of dues owed by farmers.

Congress member Mani Shankar Aiyer said: "This government is unable to do what should be done. We have no hope that the government will be able to face this challenge."

Recalling that former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had toured the drought-hit areas to redress people's grievances after monsoon failure in 1987, he said Agriculture Minister Ajit Singh should undertake such visits.

Accusing the Centre of giving "step-motherly" treatment to Karnataka in extending financial assistance to deal with natural calamities, former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda sought one-time waiver of dues owed by farmers or at least writing-off of the interest component of loans taken by them.

Initiating the discussion, Ajay Singh Chautala (INLD) demanded immediate action by the government saying delayed measures would lead to worsening of the situation and add to the woes of the farmers whose crops have dried up. He also pleaded for steps to provide drinking water.

Sharing the Opposition concern, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Bharatiya Janata Party, demanded a long-term comprehensive plan to deal with drought and floods.

He said derailment of initial monsoon predictions has caused huge losses to farmers who had sowed seeds in anticipation of rains.

UNI, PTI

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