Deficit rainfall in Tripura worries farmers

Agartala, Aug 21 (UNI) The farmers in Tripura are having a difficult time this year due to deficit rainfall in the state.

Speaking to UNI, a top official of agricultural department said there was about 50 per cent deficit in rainfall as against that needed for agricultural purposes.

''Many important crops like paddy and various vegetables produced in the state has been affected due to shortage of rainfall. If the situation continues the farmers will have a hard time,'' the official said.

Due to shortage of rainfall, a large area of cultivable land remained barren in and around the capital city. The condition is worse in other parts of the state.

Due to the prevailing conditions, the price of vegetables has sky-rocketed in the last few months.

A kilo of chilli is sold at a price of Rs. 80-90. Same is the case of other vegetables like brinjal, tomato, cabbage and ladies finger among others.

''The price of the vegetables are expected to rise in the coming days if the situation does not change. We do not have any other option than to raise the prices,'' said a vegetable wholeseller.

He further added that the situation has arisen due to shortage in production of vegetables both in the plainlands as well as highlands.

''In previous years the situation was almost normal compared to this year. The price of vegetables has never been so high earlier,'' said a customer in the local market.

The complain is the same from many other customers, who went to the extent of blaming the state government for the shortage.

UNI PD/PB/TJP/AKP1355