According to sources, the government was considering a package of measures to address the twin issues of drought and sharp increase in prices of essential commodities like pulses and edible oil.

Among the measures discussed Monday included the sale of grain in open market from stocks with state-run procurement agencies, duty concessions on import of edible oils and food grain and further subsidy on their sale through state-run fair-price shops.

The term of reference for the EGoM includes assessment and monitoring of the situation arising out of drought and deficient rainfall.

EGoM would take decisions and approve new and innovative schemes, besides examining the existing schemes for suitable modification.