Ranchi, Aug 11 - Political parties in Jharkhand want the state to be declared famine affected because of scanty monsoon and are also demanding a special financial package to deal with the grave situation.

All the districts have been declared drought hit. Jharkhand has sought Rs.400 crore from the central government to start relief work for farmers. This year Jharkhand witnessed a 60-65 rainfall deficit in July.

The June and July rains are vital for paddy crops.

According to the met department, different districts witnessed 145-416 mm rainfall. Jamatara district received only 145 mm against the average rainfall of 322 mm.

The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Jharkhand Vikas Morcha-Prajatantrik (JVM-P) and Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) have demanded that the state be declared a famine hit state.

'Drought has caused a famine like situation. We demand that the entire state be declared a famine state. Relief work should be expedited to help the farmers,' said former chief minister Babulal Marandi.