Rodents destroy crops in Tousem
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, October 15 2012:
At the utter dismay of farmers, rodents have destroyed all the jhum cultivation at the Tousem sub-division, Tamenglong district.
Stating that jhum cultivation is the main source of income and livelihood for the people of the Tousem division, a joint statement by the Chairman and General Secretary of Development Committee Tousem, Dikham Gonmee and Haimashang respectively said that the menace of the rodent continue to sabotage the farmers of the hill people particularly Tousem Block.
During the month of April, May and June, vast tracts of standing crops were destroyed by rodents and termites at the roots of the plants due to late monsoon.
They also added that in the last part of the June when monsoon finally arrived, excessive rainfall and subsequent flooding caused great lost to the farmers.
"Earlier, farmers used to get 150-200 tins of paddy at the minimum from their respective fields to support their livelihood.
But this year farmers are getting around 10-20 tins of paddy on an average and 50-60 tins at the maximum.
Therefore, the farmers are in great sorrow and worry over how to sustain their livelihood as they are facing the shortage of food stuff in the midst of this harvesting season," the joint statement said, while drawing the attention of the government for necessary remedial measures.