PM discusses monsoon contingency plan for 500 districts

, June 13: A contingency plan for 500 districts to meet the situation arising out of a possible poor

was discussed at a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister

today.

The meeting, attended by four Cabinet ministers -- Agriculture, Food, Fertilisers and Water Resources -- and three ministers of state was held at the Prime Minister's residence amid concerns over a poor monsoon impacting prices. Modi reviewed in detail various issues relating to agriculture, rural development, water resources, organic farming, fertilisers and chemicals, and animal husbandry.

The PM stressed farmers' distress and the need to boost the rural economy

The Prime Minister was briefed by secretaries of the various departments on plans for these sectors. He stressed particularly on the need to reduce farmers' distress and to boost the rural economy. "In view of the possibility of a poor monsoon, the Ministry of Agriculture also presented a contingency plan for 500 districts," a PMO release said after the meeting.

Agriculture Secretary Ashish Bahuguna made a presentation on key issues of the sector, including the monsoon. The meeting was part of the series of review of various ministries, as the Prime Minister had mentioned in his meeting with Secretaries. It was attended by Union Ministers Ananth Kumar, Uma Bharati, Ram Vilas Paswan and Radha Mohan Singh.

After the meeting, Modi tweeted: "Had a fruitful After the meeting, Modi tweeted: "Had a fruitful discussion on agriculture, rural economy, organic farming, soil health."

PTI