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Recent rains have eased drought situation: Singh

Agriculture Minister Ajit Singh said it was too early to talk about the agriculture growth projections although drought situation in the country has eased in the last two weeks on account of the recent spell of rains.

"The situation appears to be looking up. The drought situation in the country has eased on account of the recent spell of monsoon. The oilseed crop is starting to look up and the pulses are expected to be sown soon," he told reporters in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Asked if there would be any revision in the agricultural growth projections, Singh said, "It is still too early to talk about the agriculture growth projection in the current year as we are still receiving inputs from various parts of the country".

Singh, however, admitted that despite the recent spell of showers the kharif crop would be affected and added, "the estimate of the damage is not known".

"The July rains are important for farmers and there has been damage on account of poor rainfall in that month", he said.

"We are hopeful that the rains will continue till September 15. This will improve the ground water level and help farmers in sowing. The overall situation appears to be looking up," he added.

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