he said that the eastern coast, central India and north east are getting fairly good rains. He informed that Maharashtra and parts of peninsula are also having rain. Mr Rathore, however, said the only concern is north west India and interior peninsula . Mr. Rathore called on Food and Consumer Affairs Minister K V Thomas and briefed him about the Monsson situation.

In a reply to a question on the likely impact of deficient rains on kharif crops, Mr Rathore addmitted there is concern about coarse cereals but situation of rest crops is fine.
AIR correspondent reports that India had produced a record 252.56 million tonnes of foodgrains in 2011-12 crop year on good monsoon last year. Monsoon rains are crucial for the agriculture sector, which contributes about 15 per cent to the country's GDP, as only 40 per cent of the total cultivable area is under irrigation.

Karnataka Legislative Assembly today initiated a discussion on draught situation in the state. The entire oppostion urged the Speaker to allow adjournment motion on draught and the relief works carried out by the Government. But the Speaker overruled the motion and allowed limited hour discussion on the issue of draught. Initiating the discussion today, the leader of the opposition leader and Congress leader Siddaramaiah pointed out that state has received 43 percent deficient rainfall this season.

A crop loss of 5800 crore rupees is calculated by the Government. He said that the farmers are facing the worst draught in the last 40 years. The farmers are migrating from their villages as there is no fodder and drinking water. Siddaramaiah said that the Government promise of cloud seeding for rains, is a farce and it will not yield desired results. He criticised the BJP for indulging in faction fued when the state is facing severe draug

n Assam, the seven-member Central team has assessed the damage caused by flood and landslides. The team has been divided into 3 groups and visited the affected distrits.Official sources said that before returning for Delhi, they will meet state Chief Secretary today in Guwahati to discuss relief and rehabilitations measures. Another team of Ministry of Environment and Forest also visited the World Heritage Site, Kaziranga National Park to take stock of the situation. Around 700 animals including 17 Rhinos have been killed in flood.

The current wave of flood also affected two lakh 55 thousand hectares of cropland across the state affecting over 10 lakh farmers’ family. As per the estimate, the state had lost a total crop worth over 990 crore rupees.Meanwhile, Chief Minister instructed the health department to take all necessary measures to prevent water and vector borne diseases.

Health department has intensified surveillance for early detection of diseases.

Blood tests are being conducted to detect malaria and encephalitis. Around 37 thousand people have been treated so far for diarrhoea, dysentery and flu.1 thousand 500 health camps have been organised to prevent spread of diseases in affected districts. So far, there has been no report of any disease assuming epidemic proportions. Health department has also set up round the clock control room to keep an eye on the overall health issues.Veteniary department has also intensified vaccination drive for over 20 lakh livestock