'At this juncture, delayed monsoon has impacted many parts of the country's agrarian economy...Mitigating the impact of deficient monsoon is a high priority,' the finance minister told a meeting with top industrialists here.

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 oils.

The terms of reference for the EGoM include assessment and monitoring of the situation arising out of drought and deficient rainfall. The EGoM would take decisions and approve new and innovative schemes, besides examining the existing schemes for suitable modification.

--Indo-Asian news Service

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