Drought-like situation in AP worries farmers

Itanagar, Aug 30 (UNI) Arunachal Pradesh continued to reel under a severe drought-like condition since last one month despite scanty rainfall in the past couple of days.

The weather situation has affected farmers in many parts of the state as most of the cultivation land developed cracks with no alternative for artificial irrigation system.

Lohit, Upper Siang, East Siang, Changlang, Lower Subansiri, Upper Subansiri, East Kameng and Kurung Kumey districts were the worst affected.

The farmers were concerned over the impending crop loss and even outbreak of epidemic loom large in these areas.

Expressing concern over the 'severe drought' in Gangte circle under Palin Assembly constituency of Kurung Kumey district, legislator Balo Raja has urged the state government to initiate immediate precautionary measures before the situation turns into a major crisis.

Mr Raja, in a letter to state Chief Secretary, today apprised him of the prevailing situation and deplorable condition of the poor people which he saw during his recent four-day tour to the area.

The people in the region solely depend upon shifting cultivation for their livelihood. However, low rainfall has completely damaged such cultivation which would have a devastating effect on the population. The situation could be avoided by taking timely steps, he added.

The Arunachal Pradesh cabinet recently decided to urge the Centre for sending an expert team to assess the loss in drought-like situation in various parts of the state.

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