ITANAGAR, Aug 11: In the wake of reports of a drought-like situation due to scanty rain and pest infestation in the Agriculture fields in the state, Minister for Agri & Allied, Tage Taki today took held a review meeting of Field Officers to know the ground situation through video conference.
Data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) shows that Arunachal Pradesh has received deficient rainfall in June and till the third week of July which is 35 % less than normal. Other Northeastern states are also facing a similar predicament but Arunachal Pradesh has witnessed the highest deficit rainfall so far.
During the meeting, the District Agriculture Officers and District Horticulture Officers apprised the Minister about the ground situation in their districts. They informed that the overall rain received during the current year is less as compared to previous years. As a result, majority of the farmers depending on monsoon rain are unable to transplant their paddy in the fields. Farmers in East Siang, Lower Dibang Valley, Lohit, Namsai, Changlang and Tirap are reportedly unable to cultivate paddy during this current season.
The season for transplantation of paddy crop is almost over and therefore, the farmers have no option but to give up the main paddy crops and cultivate alternate crops. Some of the DAOs have also reported instances of pest infestation and damage of crops.
While expressing concern over the situation, the Minister urged the officials to monitor the situation and also directed the officers, field staff in the districts to send ground report to the government. He also directed the Secretary (Agriculture) to prepare a contingency plan to deal with the situation.
Further, Secretary Agriculture Bidol Tayeng stated that the Covid-19 situation should not be ground for the delay in implementation of Agricultural schemes. The farmers have acquainted themselves with Covid-19 situation and the department must reach out to them with schemes in time. The Panchayat bodies can contribute in providing timely information about the situation in the rural areas to the departments and vice versa, he said.

---

Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

<< Back to News List