Rice production in the country will not be adversely affected despite the drought-like situation due to deficient monsoon in several parts. Minister of State for Agriculture Harish Rawat said in New Delhi today that the over all food grain production is likely to surpass the 2009 drought year. Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function, the minister hoped that there may not be much impact on the rice production as the government has prepared contingency plans to fight drought in 320 districts in the country this time.

Mr Rawat said the government has deputed Central teams to Rajasthan and Karnataka to assses the gravity of the drought situation. He said Punjab, Haryana and Maharashtra, which were also drought-hit are likely to submit memoranda to the Centre. He assured that the Centre will act swiftly on the reports by the Central teams and provide every possible assistance to them.

Mr Rawat said some mitigation measures have already been announced by the government and the empowered group of ministers, headed by his senior colleague Sharad Pawar is likely to discuss the issue soon.

AIR correspondent reports, 338 districts of the country had faced a severe drought conditions bringing down the food grains production by 16 million tonnes at over 218 million tonnes.