Agriculture Director allays flood fear
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 25 2016:
Director of Agriculture Dept Louis Ngasainao has allayed the fear that agriculture land of the State would be flooded due to the incessant downpour in the past few days.
Interacting with The Sangai Express, Louis Ngasainao said although there seems to be reports about some agriculture area being affected by flood, the exact area is yet to be identified.
He said the flood water can be pumped from the agriculture area using pump sets.
However, farmers could not afford such expensive mechanism.
Besides, there is no plan from the Department for such an arrangement.
The Agriculture Dept is also giving stress on water harvesting structure under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sanchai Yojna besides giving focus on pond construction for harvesting rain water.
Since Manipur has limited land area for agriculture, the State could not produce sufficient food.
In order to realise the aspiration of self-sufficient food production, the Dept is also giving more stress on double and triple cropping systems.
However, double cropping system remains unsuccessful in the State due to shortage of water, Ngasainao said.
Double cropping system would be successful in the State after 2/3 years when irrigation system is enhanced under PMSKY, he added.
Urging all concerned to judiciously use and preserve every drop of natural water, the Agriculture Director said that water shortage problem can be solved when natural water is utilised properly.
Any crop can be cultivated at any time or season when there is adequate water, he added.