Urea shortage, inadequate water push farmers to dire straits
Farmers warn of bandh, point out parched fields
Source: The Sangai Express

Moirang, August 22 2022: While the Moirang Kendra Farmers Development Co-operative Society Limited (MKFDCSL) has warned of imposing a 48 hours bandh from the midnight of August 26 along Tiddim Road if the Government doesn't provide adequate urea to the farmers, farmers of Sekmai have highlighted their plight resulting from inadequate supply of water to paddy fields.

Speaking to media persons today, MKFDCSL secretary Hemam Ranjit said that the farmers in Manipur are still facing many issues such as unavailability of urea and water for irrigation though the State Government has agreed to procure rice from the local farmers for distribution to the beneficiaries of Government schemes.

Saying that the society will go ahead with the bandh if the Government doesn't make necessary arrangements to distribute urea to the farmers by August 25, he added that LOUSABD, an apex body of six farmers' unions in Bishnupur, will support the bandh.

Urea shortage, inadequate water push farmers to dire straits

He also said that the urea distributed by the Moirang AC MLA was inadequate.

Asking how the State will become self-sufficient in terms of food production if the farmers are not given urea and proper irrigation facilities, he added that the aspiration of the Government to procure rice from the local farmers will not yield any result unless the grievances of the farmers are addressed.

He then urged the State Government to look into the matter at the earliest.

On the other hand, Kharibam Ingobi, secretary, Loitang Khunou Lourok Committee has highlighted the dire condition of agricultural lands in Chaprou Lou- kon and Ngakrarou Loukon of Sekmai Assembly constituency and appealed to the State Government to take up prompt action.

Interacting with media persons this afternoon, Kharibam Ingobi showed them the parched and cracked soil and shared that the two agricultural areas are the source of livelihood for the people of Loitang Khu-nou, Loitang Khullen, Loitang Leikinthabi, Phum-lou, Mana Ingkhol, Senjam Chirang and Moibung Khunou.

However, due to inadequate rainfall since the end of June and lack of proper irrigation, the agricultural lands have been reduced to the present deplorable condition, he added.

Kh Ingobi further said that paddy yield will be minimal this year owing to inadequate supply of water.

At this rate, even if the necessary volume of water is supplied to these agricultural fields now, it seems impossible to save the paddy crops, he said.

As such, the secretary has drawn the attention of the State administration and appealed for their timely action to help the people dependent on Chaprou and Ngakrarou Loukon.

Suggesting a solution to this problem, he urged the relevant authority to construct a dam at Sahirok river which runs through Senjam Chirang.

This will provide enough water for irrigation, he said.

The secretary also appealed to agricultural land owners of the concerned area to excuse farmers from making their annual payment for this year in view of these unfortunate circumstances.