A senior official of the Agriculture Department here informed that the state administration has directed its attention on streamlining the Public Distribution System to help the people from possible shortage of food grain in the state which is currently reeling under severe drought condition.

However, a detailed survey of the present crop situation in the State would be essential before arriving at any definite conclusion in this regard, the official hastened to add.

Nonetheless, as a precautionary measure, the Agriculture Department has suggested to the Civil Supply for increasing the allocation of APL rice and keeping adequate stock of rice under Public Distribution System, the official said, adding that the Department has also sanctioned Rs 7 crores to ensure availability of the required seeds of Rabi crops in time to the farmers who have been hit hard by the current drought situation.

But the amount of Rs 20.40 crores which the state government had proposed to the Centre as drought relief is yet to be received, the official added.

Corroborating the apprehension of the Department, some of the farmers have also opined that the paddy production in the state this year is bound to suffer this time plantation could not be taken up in time.

Agricultural activities in Manipur is largely dependent on seasonal monsoon and there is no irrigational facilities in many areas.

Meanwhile, it is learnt that the Principal Secretary in-charge of Agriculture of the state has notified to all the Deputy Commissioners of the districts to allow small and marginal farmers to dig up ponds even on private land for the purpose of storing rain water for irrigation under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme by modifying certain provisions of the relevant Act.

It is expected that such measures would help the farmers in overcoming similar drought like situation in the future.