Lack of rain in Coochbehar results in crop loss

Siliguri, Aug 20 (UNI) North Bengal has been experiencing a drought like situation throughout this monsoon, with Coochbehar district in suffering a huge loss of crops amounting to Rs 298 crores.

State government had alloted only Rs 47 crores to recoup the present situation, whereas more than Rs 298 crores is required.

The loss amount had been calculated by State Agriculture Department, Coochbehar divisional office and the report was sent to the head office in Kolkata.

Chief Agriculture Officer of the district Ajit Das told UNI that about 60 per cent of the total cultivation had been lost.

The district accounts to the highest production of jute and monsoon is the peak time for the cultivation, Mr Das said.

He also added the farmers had used 60 per cent of total land for cultivation out of which 50 per cent was affected due to scorching heat of the sun.

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