The Italian government will declare a state of emergency for the areas worst hit by a drought, reported Reuters, citing a government statement on Monday.

A cabinet meeting on the issue has been scheduled for 1800 (1600 GMT), it added. Declaring a state of emergency allows authorities to take decisions faster, cutting through normal legislative procedures.

Several Italian regions have already declared a state of emergency, looking to free up funds to counter the growing water crisis as farming associations say agricultural output is set to plunge this year in key areas.