APC, Y Kikheto Sema and other officers of the Agri and allied departments during field visit at a pineapple farm at Molvom village on June 22. (Morung photo)
Foodgrain production to go down by 70%
without sufficient rainfall by second week of July
Morung Express News
Dimapur | JUNE 22
Amidst the continuing pandemic taking its toll on every aspect of life and hugely affecting the common man, the deficient rainfall all over the State this year is emerging like another pandemic and threatens with a drought-like situation if there is no sufficient rainfall by second week of July.
This observation was made by State Agriculture Production Commissioner (APC) Y Kikheto Sema during a field visit on June 22 to Molvom, Tsithrongse and Bade villages to assess the damage caused by less or no rainfall at all this season.
“If there is insufficient rainfall by second week of July, then the foodgrain production of our State will be down by 70% and this deficient rain is like another pandemic for our farmers,” he said while interacting with farmers, village leaders and Farmers’ Producers’ Organizations at various places during his visit.
Kikheto noted that one seasonal year has been lost to the pandemic and that the people have to work double time to make up for the losses.
Inspecting a pineapple farm at Molvom village under Medziphema sub-division, the APC expressed satisfaction that the fruit was sustaining despite less rainfall and encouraged the farmers to further expand their area of cultivation and assured of all possible support and assistance from the Agri and allied departments.
Kikheto described pineapples from Medziphema area as one of the sweetest and added that he was ready to recommend other proposals to higher authorities depending on the performance of the farmers.
A pineapple farmer disclosed that during peak season, Molvom and Bungsang villages alone produce 65, 000 -70, 000 MT out of which 60% were being exported and 40% sold in the local market. It was also revealed that on an average, a farmer earns Rs 10, 000 per hectare of farming area.
Interacting with village leaders and farmers at Bade village, Kikheto appreciated the farmers for continuously focusing on agriculture activities and acknowledged their contribution to the agricultural map of the district.
He stressed on rejuvenating springs and water bodies as an alternative means to compensate deficient rainfall. Kikheto, however, called for ceaseless praying to God for bailing the people out of the current pandemic and climatic condition. The APC said the drought-like situation being faced this year was happening after a decade in the State and that the government would be deliberating on what steps and measures to take if there is prolonged delay in sufficient rainfall.
Director of Horticulture, Dr R Elithung Lotha stated that the people of Molvom and Bungsang villages have been majorly dependent on pineapple farming since several decades ago and that the department would look into their genuine needs wherever possible. He also acknowledged that the people of Bade village were majorly involved in agricultural activities and were surviving out of its produces.
Director of Agriculture, M Ben Yanthan said that the department would try to assist the farmers even in transport subsidies and other assistance if the needs are genuine.
Farmer representatives in different villages acknowledged the help and support provided by the Agri and allied departments.
After listening to the problems being faced by the farmers owing to late monsoon, the Agri and allied departmental officers assured them of all possible assistance and advice following proper assessment and consultation.
District Agriculture Officer, Dimapur, Atoi Sema and District Horticulture Officer, Temsu Longkumer and other staff also accompanied the Agri and allied officers.
