Rodents attack crops in upland areas of Chandel, farmers seek help
Source: The Sangai Express

Chandel, August 28 2020: Stating that rodents and birds are damaging standing vegetables and crops, especially maize grown in upland areas of Lamphou Pasna Khul of Chandel district extensively, farmers there sought help from the State Government and department concerned.

A team of media persons along with the villagers of Lamphou Pasna Khul inspected the areas.

Speaking to media persons, one social worker BD Betha Anal said that majority of the population here is dependent on agriculture directly or indirectly for livelihoods.

Experiencing such a horrible event by the poor farmers at a time when COVID-19 pandemic has already affected lives greatly is truly unfortunate, he said adding that fears of shifting attack to their paddies by birds and animals have gripped farmers.

Saying that zoom cultivation is part and parcel of these people's lives for sustenance and their children's education, the social worker added that they haven't witnessed catastrophe of such degree at any point of time.

At night, the crops are ingested by rats while squirrels and birds do the same in the morning, BD Betha lamented.

He then appealed to the State Government and department concerned to conduct a survey of the damaged areas and pay compensation to farmers concerned.

The social worker also urged all concerned to do the need needful to protect the standing crops and vegetables from further attack.

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