AIKSCC suggests measures to Govt for tackling drought crisis

In the context of the impending drought, All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC) demanded that the government initiate a series of proactive measures to tackle the water crisis.

New Delhi: Reminding about the impending situation of drought, All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee (AIKSCC) suggested a series of proactive measures to the government to tackle the water crisis, as it is affecting farmers at a large scale.

While addressing the press conference, Yogendra Yadav, politician as well as a social activist, said, "As of June 20, water level in major reservoirs was alarmingly low in Andhra Pradesh (83% below normal), Maharashtra (71% below average), Tamil Nadu (43%), Kerela (38%), Telangana (36%) among others.

The official statistics show a 32% reduction in sowing of paddy and causes a 53% reduction in oil seeds and a 29% reduction in coarse grains compared to the same time last year."

List of suggestions which were being given:

1. Without any delay, drought must be declared in all those districts where sowing has been severely affected due to 50% or greater deficit in the month of June.
2. A special national package should be announced for those districts that experienced drought last year and are suffering from delayed monsoon.
3. Norms for Crops loss compensation must be revived to at least Rs 1000 per acre for unirrigated.
4. Process for payment under PMFBY should be done by district administration.
5. RBI should ask State Level Bankers Committee to reiterate its standing guidelines about non-recovery of outstanding loans, rescheduling of loans and grant of fresh loans.
6. The government should invoke the provision for extending the number of days entitlement under MNREGS from 100 to 150 days in the drought-affected areas.
7. The government should issue guidelines under the Disaster Management Act prescribing zero tolerance to any diversion of water for industrial and commercial purpose in the drought-affected areas.
8. Maharashtra Government should help to compensate orange farmers and horticultural procedures and an inquiry should be held in the fodder camp scam in the state.