Lucknow, June 14 (TIWN) Uttar Pradesh is staring at a drought-like situation with a deficient pre-monsoon rainfall this year.

More than half of the state, including the semi-arid Bundelkhand region, faces a drought-like situation due to a monsoon deficit, which is hitting paddy plantation and posing a threat to the timely sowing of other kharif crops too.

The state government, however, continues to deny the problem though officials say that they are keeping a close watch on the situation and are also working on an action plan if the situation worsens.

While the eastern Uttar Pradesh region has reported a rain deficiency of 68 per cent till June 7, western Uttar Pradesh recorded a rain deficiency of 37 per cent till the same period.

"Monsoon deficit is definitely causing concern to us, but it will be too early to say there is drought in the state because the monsoon is not over and rains can still come anytime," said Amit Mohan, Principal Secretary (Agriculture).

He said an advisory might be issued to the farmers in case sufficient rainfall remained elusive for a week or two.