Delayed monsoon to impact Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Rajasthan, the biggest producers of sugar cane, cotton, pulses and soybean In what could become first major crisis for the BJP-led government at Centre, it has warned that western India is likely to face a drought-like situation. It, however, assured that the contingency plans were being worked out to maintain supply of drinking water and fodder in the affected areas. In Maharashtra, the state government has ordered that reserves in dams be used only for drinking, leaving the state’s farmers and large industries wary of the effects on their output. The Centre, on Tuesday, announced that it was working out a separate contingency plan for drought-prone regions such as Vidharbha in Maharashtra and to help farmers in all ways so that they are not forced to commit suicides. “Monsoon is delayed. Western India is expected to be worst affected and drought-like situation might prevail in some pockets,” said agriculture minister Radha Mohan Singh.

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