State stares at possible drought
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 02 2012:
In case there is no rainfall by July 15, it would be officially declared that Manipur has been hit by drought.
However, as of now there is no imminent threat about any possible drought, claimed Agriculture Director L Palendro.
A team of Government officials led by Palendro today made a field inspection of the prevailing condition where paddy cannot be cultivated due to shortage of water.
The survey tour covered different areas of Imphal East and Imphal West districts.
Speaking to the accompanying reporters, Palendro said that most of the paddy fields have enough water for paddy cultivation.
"But there is a problem.
The existing volume of water would dry up if there is no rainfall in the coming days", Palendro said.
The average annual rainfall in Manipur has declined a bit but this does mean the State would face drought.
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Even if the situation goes to the worst, the department is all geared up to face any drought situation and make paddy cultivation possible.
Average rainfall during the month of June was somewhat lower as compared to preceding years.
Nevertheless, it is quite possible that there is adequate rainfall in the coming days, said the Director.
A place can be declared drought affected if the rate of rainfall does not reach 75 per cent of the normal rate.
So far, Manipur has received 69 per cent rainfall.
It would not be a wise judgment to declare Manipur drought affected because of the 6 per cent shortfall.
If there is adequate rainfall by July 31, paddy can be cultivated this season but the yield would be a little lesser.
Informing that there is adequate stock of paddy seeds in the department, Palendro assured that water-pumps and kacha dams would be arranged for diversion of water from nearby canals and rivers so as to make paddy cultivation possible even if drought really hits Manipur.