(a) whether it is true that 42% of India’s land area are under drought this year, if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether it is also true that Marathwada, Vidarbha and North Maharashtra regions are the worst-hit by drought this year, if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the details of the drought assessment and relief measures taken by the Government in drought affected areas?
MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
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(a) to (c): As per Second India Meteorological Department (IMD) Long Range Forecast, released on 31.05.2019, Rainfall over the country as a whole for the 2019 South-West Monsoon Season (June to September) is likely to be NORMAL (96% to 104% of the Long Period Average). No State has submitted any Memorandum seeking financial assistance from National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) in the wake of drought during Kharif 2019 season. In the eventuality of drought and other natural calamities, the State Governments are empowered to initiate necessary relief measures from State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) which is readily available with them. Additional financial assistance, over and above SDRF, is considered from National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) on receipt of relief Memorandum from State Governments and in accordance with extant norms and procedures.
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