Lack of water, fertilisers sadden farmers
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 08 2021: Farmers in different parts of the valley area are facing a tough situation due to lack of irrigation water and fertilisers even though the seed sowing season is at its peak.

According to a statement of Manipur Loumee Marup, a team of the farmers' organisation led by its president N Singhajit conducted field visit in different parts of Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Kakchng and Bishnupur districts, during which they found around 75 per cent of the farmlands without water or irrigation facilities.

Though Dolaithabi Dam has been completed, non-completion of the irrigation canals has been preventing water from the dam reaching the farmlands in Sinam Kom, Sambei, Harourou and Pangei Waiton areas.

Except for Uyumpok which is situated to the east of the dam, farmlands in other areas such as Sekta, Keibi, Pungdongbam are not getting irrigation water.

Farmlands in Lamlai, Khurai, Keirao, Thongju, Kyamgei Loukon, Heingang Loukon, Loitang Khunou, Sanjenbam, Andro and Keibi Loukon are also experiencing similar conditions.

In Kakching, two-third of the farmland is still dry.

Most of the farmlands in Tentha, Wangjing, Langathel, Khongjom, Yaithibi, Thoubal, Khekman, Khangabok, Moijing, Nambol, Ningthoukhong, Thinungei, Phubala, Sunusiphai, Naransena, Moirang Khunou, Keirenphabi, Kumbi, Langthabal, Canchipur, Phumlou, Chajing, Karam, Haoreibi, Samurou, Wangoi and Yumnam Huidrom are experiencing similar conditions due to lack of rainfall and proper irrigation facility.

On the other hand, availability of fertiliser is still a big issue and farmers are forced to buy at higher rate from the open market despite repeated appeals of farmers to ensure adequate availability at subsidised rate and assurances from the department concerned, the statement said, while drawing attention of the agriculture department to the need for taking up necessary measures.

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