Farmers advised Dapog method for paddy seedling
Source: Chronicle News Service

Bishnupur, June 12 2024: Due to the Loktak Lift Irrigation's inability to supply water to Imphal Main Canal and Moirang Low Level Canal, as the water from the Ningthoukhong Power Canal is being used by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) for power generation by its three turbines, farmers in Bishnupur district are unable to start paddy cultivation activities even as the District Agriculture Office, Bishnupur advised the farmers to use the Dapog method for preparation of paddy seedlings.

Speaking to this daily, Loktak Lift Irrigation Farmers' Development Association, Bishnupur chairman N Sanajaoba Singh recounted that as per the agreement signed between the state government and NHPC, the power canal in Ningthoukhong produces 58.8 cusecs of water, of which NHPC receives 42 cusecs and LLI allocated the remaining 16.8 cusecs.

However, since the LLI is not receiving its full share of water, the pump at Ningthoukhong cannot operate.

He said that the Moirang Low Level Canal and the Imphal Main Canal, which are crucial for channelling water to paddy fields and facilitating paddy seedling activities, are currently devoid of water and as such farmers are unable to commence cultivation works as expected due to the absence of water in these canals.

He attributed the water scarcity issue to the NHPC, alleging that it has misused water resources by diverting them for its three turbines, contrary to the agreement signed.

Sanajaoba pointed out that such unauthorised use of water has led to depletion in the reservoir, the primary water source for Pump House No 1, further aggravating the water shortage for farmers.

He urged for swift action and immediate resolution of this issue so as to ensure farmers can commence their agricultural activities without further delay.

Meanwhile, according to information received from the District Agriculture Office, Bishnupur, despite the shortage of water, if the farmers desire to start paddy seedling works, they may proceed through use of the Dapog method, which involves growing paddy seedlings on a flat, hard surface, usually a concrete floor or in a plastic sheet, before transplanting them to the fields.

This method allows production of healthy and uniform seedlings in a relatively small area.

The Dapog method is a practical and efficient approach for nursing paddy seedlings, and if properly done, the seedling will germinate within 15 days and ready for transplanting, the report added.

On the other hand, it has been informed that the farmers of Bishnupur require around 60-70,000 bags of fertilizers (Urea) in a season.

A proposal in this regard would be sent to authority concerned very soon.

For Rabi crops, around 8000 bags of fertilizers and another 5000 bags for early crops have been distributed to the farmers.

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