Gujarat saw 95 percent crop production despite deficient rainfall

New Delhi: Despite two successive years of deficient rainfall, Gujarat has recorded 95 per cent crop production because of measures taken by the state government. The figures came to fore during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to review the state's drought situation.

The meeting attended by Chief Minister Anandiben Patel here was also intimated that the work done by the state government for the water grid has resulted in only 568 tankers being required for water distribution in some remote tail areas, according to a PMO statement.

The Prime Minister, while appreciating this effort, called for further action to completely eliminate the need for tanker supply, the statement said.

Patel gave details of the work done by the state government towards water conservation, recharge and creation of water bodies.

She said 1.68 lakh check dams, 2.74 lakh farm ponds, 1.25 lakh Bori Bandhs have been made with storage capacity of 42.3 billion cubic feet water, benefitting 6.32 lakh hectares.

Piped water supply is being provided to 77 per cent of households in the state, the Chief Minister said.

The meeting was also informed that the measures undertaken have resulted in a reasonable amount of drought-proofing, despite deficient (about 80 per cent of long-term average) and skewed temporal distribution of rainfall, it said.

Despite two successive years of drought, crop production in the state has been estimated at 95 per cent of the normal, the meeting was told.

The meeting was told that the state has made significant progress in micro-irrigation, with 100 per cent coverage of drip or sprinkler irrigation being achieved in 3789 villages.

The creation of an elaborate canal network under the Sardar Sarovar Irrigation Scheme, has led to a significant increase in crop yields, and a positive impact on farm incomes, the Prime Minister heard and emphasized on value addition in horticulture and cash crops.

Measures to boost progress in fishery, bee-keeping, pearl culture, and seaweed, were also discussed.

The meeting ended with a resolve on the part of the Centre and state to work together, the PMO said.

The Prime Minister is in the process of meeting Chief Ministers of 11 drought-hit states. He has already met eight Chief Ministers.