The government said that it is ready with the contingency plan if deficit monsoon continues to affect the agriculture activities in the country. The contingency plan includes providing quality seeds of pulses and other short duration crops to farmers.

Agriculture Secretary Ashish Bahuguna, however said, the crops condition as of now has been fairly good in most parts of the country.

He was talking to media persons in New Delhi on Saturday after reviewing the crop situation in the six states which have been affected with the delayed monsoon. These states are Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan , Gujarat, Karnataka and Maharashtra.

The Secretary informed that Monsoon across the country is deficient by 22 per cent till this week. Stating that the situation is still worrisome in Karnataka and Maharashtra, he said that the government has initiated contingency plans in these two states.
Mr Bahuguna said that the Centre would wait till July- end to press for contingency plan in Saurashtra in Gujarat and Western Rajasthan.

He said that paddy sowing has declined by 10 per cent to 14.4 million hectares so far this year but expressed hope that the shortfall in area would be covered as good rains are expected next week.

He added that the situation of cotton is not up to the mark as area under tha crop is down. Cotton in Saurashtra region of Gujarat is taking a hit due to poor monsoon. As far as Vidarbha region is concern, the Secretary said, the sowing is on track in this region.
He however said, the belt, covering- Pune, Sholapur, Sangi, Satarapur, is the area of concern. The Secretary said eastern and central parts of the country have been recieving good rainfall. The government is monitoring the situation closely.

In a reply to a query he clarified that the area is declared drought affected only when the crop losses is more that fifty per cent. He also said that if required State governments are fully competent to implement State disaster relief fund plans.