Hyderabad, July 11: Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar today said there was nothing to worry about the availability of food grains in the country even though the monsoon situation was not normal.
“Things should, however, improve as the Indian Meteorological Department predicted bountiful rains across the country in the month of August though the downpour would be less than normal this month,” Pawar told reporter here.
As per the IMD’s forecast, only 86 per cent rainfall was expected this month and 101 per cent in August.
“If that prediction is proved to be absolutely correct, then there will be not a serious situation,” Pawar said.
He said rice and wheat stocks sufficient for 30 months were available in the country right now and hence there was nothing to worry about any crisis.
“In fact, this year we have supported 18 developing countries by sending rice and wheat stocks. As such, we ourselves should not face any problem in whatever situation,” the Minister said.
He said Punjab, Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh, parts of Bihar and Himachal Pradesh had received less rainfall this season but things should improve in those states in the next couple of days with IMD forecasting good rains. .
—Agencies