21 ha identified for sowing paddy seeds
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 08 2019:
In view of the inadequate rainfall received by the State till date which has been delaying seasonal paddy cultivation, Agriculture Department has identified 21 hectares for sowing paddy seeds.
On the other hand, water levels of Iril River and Imphal River have risen following heavy rainfall at catchment areas yesterday.
To distribute paddy transplants to farmers, Agriculture Department has identified five hectares at Waiton and Pangei of Imphal East district, five hectares at Khaidem, Heigrujam, Ngairangbam and Mana Ingkhol of Imphal West district, five at Kumbi, Nachou and Thinungei of Bishnupur district, five hectares at Khangabok of Thoubal and one hectare at Thoubal KVK farm.
Paddy seeds would be sown at these 21 hectares for distribution of paddy transplants to farmers.
While the one hectare of KVK Thoubal is Government land, the other 20 hectares belong to private individuals and the Government would be using them by paying hiring charges.
It is said that the paddy seeds which would be sown over the 21 hectares would take 45 days to germinate, grow and become fit for transplantation.
The particular paddy variety would be ready for harvesting after around 120 days, said a source.
Paddy transplants sown in hectare would be enough for transplantation over 10 hectares.
Notably, the total area under paddy cultivation in the State is 1.95 lakh hectares.
Meanwhile, the State Government has been planning to provide three Urea bags for one hectare of paddy cultivation.
At this rate, it is estimated that 3,24,000 bags of Urea would be required in the State this year.
At present, there are 2,90,000 bags of Urea in the godown of Agriculture Department.
58,000 bags are also expected to arrive within the week.
As such, there is adequate stock of Urea and shortage of fertilizer is unlikely this year, added the source.