Mizoram govt. to combat rodent menace

Aizawl, Oct 05 (UNI) Keeping in view the population explosion of rodents in the state, Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga today ensured to convert the catastrophic cyclic bamboo flowering into a blessing.

Talking to newsmen here he said, ''We are banking on our past experience. We know what's going to happen. But we are not worried because we have time and technology to prepare.'' He said the state government had been working out effectively on Rs 600 crore Bamboo Flowering and Famine Combat Scheme (BAFFACOS).

The massive bamboo flowering had led to rapid multiplication of the rodents, which have caused havoc to the crops.

Paddy fields in several parts of the state have been affected due to these rodents, a year early than predicted.

According to Mr James Lalsiamliana, who heads the rodent control team in the state agricultural department, said so far 14 rodent (Murid) species had been identified on the basis of specimens or photographs and another 20 species are likely to occur on the basis of their known regional distributions.

State government has decided to take up all possible measures to control 'Mautam', famine caused by rampage rats polishing off standing crops.

The Mautam had plauged the state back in 1966.

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