The Odisha government today sought adequate quantity of quality seeds and fertilisers from the Centre for the farmers affected by the deficient rainfall in eight worst affected districts.
The state government made this demand when the five-member Central team led by R P Mallick, the Additional Commissioner in the ministry of Agriculture, met senior Odisha government officials after three-day visit to different dry-spell districts.
"We asked for assistance from the Centre for helping the farmers in undertaking alternative cultivation in rain deficient areas. We have sought certain assistance," a senior official said.
Mallick held discussion with state agriculture secretary, director and special relief commissioner this evening.
Earlier, divided into two groups, the central team visited Dhenkanal, Khurda, Balangir, Boudh, Bargarh, Sonepur, Kandhamal and Keonjhar district.
"Besides assessing the situation, we have suggested remedial measures for combating the situation arising out of deficient rainfall," Mallick said.
Union Agriculture minister Radha Mohan Singh had constituted the panel in response to a request from Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Official sources said while the eight districts received 20 to 30 per cent rainfall this monsoon, agricultural activities have also been affected in 103 blocks of 23 districts due to deficient rainfall.
