<p>The Empowered Group of Ministers on crop damage, headed by Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar will meet on Wednesday and discuss extending central relief to states, including Karnataka, hit by untimely rains and hailstorm.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Unseasonal rain, wind and hailstorm early this month affected rabi (winter) crops in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. The state governments have sought immediate relief from the Centre. <br /><br />The relief would be provided under the National Disaster Response Fund, subject to the clearance from the Election Commission, sources said.</p>
<p>The Empowered Group of Ministers on crop damage, headed by Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar will meet on Wednesday and discuss extending central relief to states, including Karnataka, hit by untimely rains and hailstorm.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Unseasonal rain, wind and hailstorm early this month affected rabi (winter) crops in Karnataka, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. The state governments have sought immediate relief from the Centre. <br /><br />The relief would be provided under the National Disaster Response Fund, subject to the clearance from the Election Commission, sources said.</p>
