Met prediction unable to lift farmers' spirit
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, July 08 2012:
With rains remaining elusive even though it is almost half-way through the monsoon season, the assurance of the Met officials that monsoon deficit would be made up has not been able to lift the spirit of the farmers in the state and called for immediate intervention.
In June last year, the rainfall recorded was 367.71 millimetres.
But this time, only 150.07 millimetres had been recorded.
Normally, June is the month when agricultural activities are in full swing.
However, this time, first week of July is already over with no sign of monsoon downpour.
Even if the sky is overcast with rain bearing clouds, rainfall is so erratic and sparse that paddy fields in most part of the state remain dry.
Taking serious note of the matter, the government of Manipur has announced that if there is no adequate rainfall by July 15, a decision would be taken to declare drought in state.
But worried over the impending crisis, farmers have drawn the attention of the state government for taking up necessary measures like providing water pumps to irrigate their fields without waiting for July 15 so as to commence agricultural works.