Paddy production falls 37 pc short of target
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 13 2019: On account of the highly deficient rainfall received during the paddy cultivation season, the State's total paddy production is 37 per cent short of the estimated target.

Against the estimated target if 5,06,500 metric tonnes, the State produced only 3,18,717 metric tonnes of paddy which is 37 per cent lower, informed an official source.

Out of the State's total 1,95,000 hectares of paddy fields, paddy could not be cultivated on 99,153 hectares, said the official.

On account of scanty rainfall and resultant drought, paddy could not be cultivated in 17,122 hectares in Imphal East and Jiribam, 18,000 hectares in Imphal West, 6585 hectares in Senapati, 14,910 hectares in Churachandpur, 8,064 hectares in Thoubal, 7,860 hectares in Bishnupur, 2800 hectares in Chandel, 15,886 hectares in Tamenglong and 4620 hectares in Ukhrul.

As per an estimate of Agriculture Department, district-wise paddy production would be 71,474 metric tonnes in Imphal East and Jiribam, 65,520 metric tonnes in Imphal West, 46,721 metric tonnes in Thoubal, 44,573 metric tonnes in Bishnupur, 10,130 metric tonnes in Chandel, 12,100 metric tonnes in Senapati, 32,032 metric tonnes in Churachandpur, 26,078 metric tonnes in Tamenglong and 10,090 metric tonnes in Ukhrul.

The State's total paddy production this year is 32 per cent lower than last year.

Notably, after the State Government officially declared the State as drought-hit, an inter-Ministerial team of the Central Government came to the State and inspected the drought affected areas.

At the same time, the State Government took up an initiative of cultivating alternative crops for farmers affected by drought.

In view of the reduced paddy production this year, the State Government has already asked the Central Government to allot 100 metric tonnes of rice to the State.

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