Continued from P1

Karnataka has requested a central team, which is scheduled to visit the state on October 3.

The Chief Minister of Maharashtra has also requested a central assessment team, and a team will be sent there as well.

The Agriculture minister said that he would personally visit the affected states and remain in constant contact with their governments. “The immediate objective is to ensure that agricultural fields do not remain fallow,” he added.

For the upcoming Rabi crop season, the minister said the Centre will assist the states in identifying suitable seeds and crop varieties that require less water, have a shorter maturity period, suitable for local soil and weather conditions. He also said the Centre will help farmers continue cultivation despite drought conditions. The Centre will also facilitate coordination and cooperation among the states and other stakeholders, he added.