Former CM blames government for food crisis in Asom

Guwahati, Oct 08 (UNI) Former Asom Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta today held the state government responsible for any possible food crisis to hit the state following the drought-like conditions.

Addressing mediapersons here, Mr Mahanta said Union Food and Civil Supplies Minister Sharad Pawar's letter had pointed out that the state government's failure to utilise funds and provide relief to the farmers.

He informed that Mr Pawar had written to him yesterday in response to a letter Mr Mahanta on behalf of his party AGP (P) and had sent to the Prime Minister. Mr Mahanta had demanded to know about the Centre's assistance to the state to meet the possible food crisis.

Mr Mahanta said Mr Pawar's letter stated that the state was still to exhaust Rs 74 crore at its disposal under the National Calamity Relief Fund.

He added that the Centre was ready to sanction an additional Rs 72 crore but the state government was yet to submit any memorandum asking for it, the AGP (P) chairman said.

He alleged that rabi crops had failed in the state this season as the government could not provide irrigational facilities, seeds and tractors on time.

Mr Mahanta advocated the need to concentrate on cultivation of diverse varieties of paddy to meet the shortfall.

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