Scanty rain : Rs 11 Cr for action plan
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 06, 2012:
The State Cabinet has given its consent to formulate an action plan in order to tackle the problems being endured by cultivators of the State due to insufficient rainfall.
A Cabinet meet held today also agreed to sanction Rs 11 crore for implementing the action plan.
In addition, 400 water pump sets would be distributed to farmer societies in rainfall deficit areas to irrigate paddy fields.
Under the action plan, the Government would support rabi cropping in areas where paddy cultivation has suffered by taking up an ambitious plan for supporting cultivation of rabi maize, pea, mustard, wheat, hybrid paddy on approximately 34500 acres through distribution of high yielding variety seeds, fertilizers, PP chemicals and imparting training to farmers.
A reliable source informed that the Cabinet meeting presided by Chief Minister O Ibobi adopted a decision to this effect after studying the problems caused by scanty rainfall this kharif season.
It noted that paddy sowing has suffered in 30 per cent of the total cultivable area.
The Cabinet also gave the green signal to hold tripartite dialogue with Kuki UG groups at Delhi.
It is reported that schedule for the tripartite talk would be fixed by the Union Home Ministry.
It further agreed on extending the period of ceasefire agreement with KCP-MC (Lallumba) and hold dialogue with the outfit on August 9 at Imphal.
It further directed Agriculture Department to closely monitor the rainfall and agriculture conditions in the State.