Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The Madhesh Province Government has declared the province drought-hit after delayed rainfall caused problems in paddy planting and cracks began appearing in already planted fields due to drying.
A cabinet meeting held on Thursday evening took the decision.
Erratic weather patterns and a lack of timely monsoon rains have severely affected the agriculture sector in the province.
The cabinet also decided to request the federal government to announce a special relief package for farmers affected by the drought. Similarly, the provincial government has decided to request development partners working in the agricultural sector to provide necessary support.
In addition, the cabinet has decided to mobilise resources for addressing the drinking water crisis affecting several districts of Madhesh Province, including Birgunj in Parsa. It has also decided to supply water through tankers and other available means to ease the situation.
