Pointing out that scanty rainfall and pests had affected crops, the Rajkot district panchayat on Thursday adopted a resolution, urging the state government to initiate process for paying crop insurance to farmers of the district. “Kharif crops like cotton is feared to fail due to less and irregular rainfall and infestation of pink worms in the current year of 2016-17. Groundnut crop is also likely to fail due to infestation of white grubs. This is likely to impact the earnings of farmers and make condition of agriculturalists pitiable. Before farmers are forced to take any unusual step, it is hereby unanimously resolved to request state government to initiate the process of awarding crop insurance to farmers,” a resolution moved by district panchayat president Nilesh Virani stated. The resolution, moved by the chair at the trimonthly general board meeting of the district panchayat, was adopted unanimously. Rajkot district as a whole is facing around 32 per cent rainfall deficit. Almost all major dams in the district are empty and there is little water available for irrigation. In fact, some talukas of the district are facing scarcity-like situation due to scanty rainfall. Vinchhiya taluka has received just 199 mm rain so far and is running 48% deficit. Crops have failed in some villages in this taluka. Source - http://indianexpress.com