Asom face drought threat after deficit rainfall

Guwahati, Jul 21 (UNI) Asom faces of drought-like situation as the state has recorded a deficit rainfall of 27 per cent till now even after prediction of favourable monsoon for the entire NE region.

The Met office had indicated a favourable monsoon for the state as well as the entire North East in the beginning of June. However, deficit rainfall in most states till now bore warning of a possible drought-like conditions, especially in Asom.

The farmers of the state have been the hardest hit, with mostly being dependant on the rain for their water requirements. The irrigation system in the state is yet to be developed fully.

Agriculture Minister Pramila Rani Brahma today informd the state Assembly that the government was mulling installing shallow tubewells for assistance of the framers as a short-term measure to tackle the scenerio at present.

She said Central Asom, had been considered the rice bowl of the state.

The matter had been discussed with the Chief Minister and relief measures would be in place shortly, Ms Brahma added.

Agriculture scientists have cautioned that if rainfall does not occur within 15 days, the state could face a famine-like situation.

Production of rice had already come down to about 2,800 tonnes in the past year from about 4,000 ton five years back due to engagement of agricultural land for other purposes and other reasons.

With the deficit rainfall, production would be badly hit and the state would need to buy rice from other states in great amounts to meet the shortage, experts have observed.

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