Sharad Pawar allays drought fear, expects normal monsoon

While admitting that the deficiency of rainfall is 31% upto July 2, he said, "Certain states, which are known for early sowing have been effected. Particularly Maharashtra, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and parts of UP and Bihar."

"Nine per cent of sowing has been completed. This is comparable with normal. But if you compare with last year, it is less than 19 million hectares. There is deficiency of Maize in states of Bihar, Karnataka, UP and Himachal Pradesh. Overall figures of rice is not worrisome," he added.

The Agriculture Minister said that the paddy situation was worrisome and the rainfall deficiency has affected sowing of coarse crops.

On the food stock, he said, "The total is 823.17 lakh tonnes of wheat and rice."

"Coverage of pulses is 40 lakh hecatre, which is normal. 28% of sowing of cotton has been completed. Actual sowing is 3.11 million hectare. Delay of southwest monsoon has effected sowing of four cereals. Sowing time of rice, pulses, cotton, oil seeds is still left and can be sown when the rainfall normalises," he said.

Pawar said that all the states are ready with contingency plans in case the delay continues for more than two weeks.

"There is no problem of availability of food grain. Government is ready to supply if the time comes. Government is ready to enter open market. We will be able to get 70% of rains in July and August. We have ample opportunity to cover up gaps," he said, adding that months of July, August are crucial for sowing wheat.