August 1, 2012. With 64 per cent districts in the country recording less than normal rainfall this monsoon, the Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) announced a 50 per cent diesel subsidy scheme for the farmers to help them save the standing kharif crop through irrigation. It also approved enhancing the subsidy on the seeds of alternative crops under contingency plans. The EGoM cleared a relief package of ' 1,440 crore towards watershed development-related efforts in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan that are particularly reeling under deficient monsoon and where around 56 lakh hectares of farmland are estimated to go uncultivated. Besides, around ' 500 crore was approved for meeting drinking water-related challenges in these states.