Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for close coordination between the centre and states on implementing contingency plans to tackle low monsoon. He has also asked states to set up fast-track courts to deal with hoarders and black-marketeers to bring down prices.

He pushed for a proactive implementation of advance action plan for the monsoon with districts as the unit of planning.

The progress of the monsoon was reviewd at a high-level meeting chaired by him in New Delhi today. He also deliberated on the position of water reservoirs and fodder stock and directed for maximum possible use of existing water resources and best practices in rainwater harvesting. The Agriculture Ministry has already prepared a contingency plan for more than 500 districts in view of below average monsoon.

On containing inflation, it was observed in the meeting that the measures taken by the government are bearing a positive effect. Adequate rice stocks are reaching markets and enough onions are available in Delhi. Emphasising on dequate power and seed availability for farming, he directed that MGNREGA be used to generate rural employment, if necessary.

During the meeting, the Meteorological Department officials apprised him of the monsoon status and said that though it has been delayed, rainfall is likely to improve substantially in the months of July and August.

The meeting was attended by Ministers for Home, Finance, Agriculture, Food and Consumer Affairs and Water Resources besides Cabinet Secretary.