Ministers tour districts to get a first hand account of drought like situation in State
Farmers blame absence of irrigation facilities
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 21 2012: Farmers of Thoubal district have blamed the failure of Government to build proper irrigation facilities for the present predicament where large tracts of paddy fields remain uncultivable due to scanty rainfall.

In line with the Cabinet decision adopted yesterday, different Ministers today conducted field survey of paddy fields across the four valley districts.

In Thoubal district, an official team led by Education Minister M Okendro and RD&PR Minister Francis Ngajokpa made spot assessment of paddy fields at Kakching, Hiyanglam, WangjingTentha, Lilong and Thoubal.

A similar field assessment of paddy fields was conducted in Imphal West district too by Works Minister Kh Ratankumar and Social Welfare Minister AK Mirabai together with Agriculture Director Dr L Palendro and his subordinate staff.

At many places, water bodies were found near paddy fields but the farmers were left helpless due to absence of irrigation facilities.

A Ministerail team pispecting paddy fields to assess the drought like situation

Interacting with the Ministerial team, some farmers claimed that paddy can be cultivated even though it is a bit late if the Government can provide water to the paddy fields by using water pump sets.

Talking to media persons after the inspection tour, M Okendro stated that the team has taken serious note of the absence of irrigation facilities.

Though the situation is quite alarming, the Government has capability to face the challenge.

The Government would procure pump sets for drawing water to paddy fields.

Moreover, certain areas have been identified for sowing paddy seeds for further transplantation.

Paddy plants for transplantation would be provided to farmers free of cost, Okendro announced.

He said that their team's report would be submitted to the Chief Minister today itself.

The Government would take a concrete decision on the prevailing drought like situation very soon, he added.

Even though large tracts of paddy fields remain uncultivable, paddy cultivation was going on in full swing at Wabagai Keirak by using water from nearby canal.

Similarly, there is no shortage of water for paddy cultivation in Heirok and Wangkhem.

Dr Ratankumar and his team's survey tour covered paddy fields located within Assembly segments of Mayang Imphal, Wangoi, Langthabal, Naoriya Pakhanglakpa, Patsoi and Lamsang.

Talking to media persons during the tour, Dr Ratankumar said that if a particular geographical area receives less than 75 per cent of the average quantity of rainfall it normally receives, the area can be declared as drought-hit.

Till date, Manipur has received only 63 per cent of the normal rainfall rate.

As such, the situation is fit for formal declaration of drought.

But what the farmers need at the moment is water pump sets for pumping water into paddy fields.

The Government would arrange diesel for running water pump sets, Dr Ratankumar assured.

Paddy seeds as well as fertilizers would be made available to farmers in adequate quantities.

Agriculture Director Palendro claimed that nursery fields have been prepared for sowing paddy seeds so that paddy plants required of transplantation can be made available to farmers free of cost at the earliest.

Some farmers said that they have been spending Rs 200 every hour in hiring water pump sets in addition to buying diesel from black markets at inflated prices.

As such, many farmers have been investing double the amount they usually invest in paddy cultivation for a season.