Food and Consumer affairs Minister Prof K.V.Thomas has said that the Centre has made all arrangements to tackle the impact of seasonal rains in the Country.

Speaking at a function in Chennai today, he said that an empowered comittee has been set up by Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh under the Chairmanship of Union Agriculture Minister Mr.Sharad Pawar to look into the issues related with agriculture.

Mr.Thomas said that a review meeting of the monsoon situation was held yesterday and steps to deal with drought and the availability of food stock in the Country was assessed. He said that the next meeting would be held on next Tuesday.

Raising concerns on 23 percent deficit rains till now,Mr.Thomas said that Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Gujarat are likely to be affected.