Lamka, August 07: With rodent population threatening to wreck jhum fields in the district, Chura-chandpur is badly in need of 8.7 metric tones of rodenticides and more than 4 lakhs rodent traps to counter the menace said a source in the district Agriculture Dept.

Contrary to the needs, the State Government has so far issued a mere 50 kg of rodenticides for the district this year.

Of the 50 kg issued 20 were directly obtained by Thanlon MLA V Hang-khanlian while ihe remaining were given in three installments, with 10 kg on every issue said the source.

When enquired, District Agriculture Officer Paugou said the Department has received reports of escalating rodent population from villagers of Sialbu, Lungthul, Pherzawl, Lungchin, Ngal-jang, Sinzawl, Kangkap and Chiangpi among others.

The officer nevertheless accept that the Department has so far done little to counteract the menace as not a single trap has been issued to the Department despite their indent for a hefty 4,33.500 traps.

We also ordered 8.7 MT of rodenticides (Bromo-dilon/Roban Cake) but we have received a very meager amount on installment basis he said.

Increasing reports of rodents in the district following the flowering of bamboos, has cross the 25% limit earmarked by the Agriculture Dept, but the real might of the creature that multiplies after consuming the flowers will appear when the paddy reached its maturity, said the source.

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