With shrinking water level in most of the Gujarat dams — coupled with delayed rain — Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel on Thursday held a high-level meeting and discussed supplying drinking water from Narmada Dam to water-scarce regions in Gujarat. Anandiben also reviewed the availability of water in the State, fodder stock for cattle and the change in crop pattern due to delay in rain. Generally farmers in Saurashtra and North Gujarat focus on groundnut and cotton, while in Southern and Central Gujarat peasants go for sugarcane and banana crops. However, due to insufficient rain, the crops like pulses, bajara and castor etc will have to be shifted now to better regions. Patel instructed to manage seeds and fertilisers accordingly. She was satisfied with the stock of fodder after consultation with the forest officials. However, as part of preventative measure, she instructed to form a specific policy to grow grass along the existing canal network in the State. The meeting was attended by senior ministers, Saurabh Patel, Bhupendrasinh Chudasama, Babubhai Bokhiria as well as Ministers of State – Govindbhai Patel & Jayanti Kavadia. Besides, Gujarat chief secretary Dr Varesh Sinha and other top officials of forest, agriculture and other departments also attended the meeting.