Even as the monsoon remains subdued in most parts of the country, only three states have so far declared some areas as drought-hit. The estimated crop damage in these areas, including Uttar Pradesh (42 districts), Karnataka (119 talukas) and Chhattisgarh (all districts) is over 50 per cent.
Twenty of the 36 meteorological sub-divisions in the country have received deficient rainfall so far. The worst-affected states include, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh.
Agriculture ministry special secretary Hemendra Kumar told reporters here today the moisture paucity had adversely affected the coverage of rain-fed crops, mainly coarse cereals, and, to a lesser extent, oilseeds and pulses.
