West Bengal, August 12: With uneven monsoon and variation in day temperature the threat of drought is alarming across eight south districts of West Bengal that have recorded 31 percent deficient rainfall till first week of this month.
State agriculture minister Naren De told media that the state government will wait and watch till August 15 before declaring the affected areas.
He said that 50 percent deficient rainfall causes a near drought condition and has put a question mark on paddy and agricultural production.
The drought conditions were prevailing in Purulia, Bankura, Howrah, Hooghly and Birbhum districts, he added.
—Agencies