Kota: State agriculture minister Kirori Lal Meena said Saturday that at least 193 persons have died in rain-related incidents in Rajasthan, the highest number of fatalities in the state so far.Meena also said Baran alone accounted for 13 deaths, and compensation has been awarded to the families in eight cases.Regarding rain-related damage to Kharif crops, Meena said considerable damage has been done. However, he claimed sowing increased by 16% even though crop damage accounted for 40 to 70% in most parts of the state. A survey of crop damage is underway, the agriculture minister added, and is expected to be completed by Sept 15.The minister also said strict action is being initiated against counterfeit fertilisers, seeds, and pesticides. So far, at least 68 FIRs have been registered in Rajasthan, and 22 licences have been cancelled. Another 17 licences, he said, have been suspended.The PMO and Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan have said that the govt will bring a strict law with provisions to punish the manufacture and distribution of counterfeit fertilisers, seeds, and pesticides so that farmers cannot be cheated and looted, Meena said.
