North East India reels under deficit rainfall
June 27, 2009 17:39 IST
The North East India, where the economy is primarily based on agricultural activities, is reeling under deficit rainfall condition so far this year that is posing serious hazards to cultivation of paddy, the principal crop in the region.
The state of Meghalaya (' abode of cloud' ) has recorded the highest rainfall deficit among all the seven North Eastern states so far this year.
As per the estimates made by the Regional Meteorological Centre in Guwahati, rainfall deficit in Meghalaya has been recorded at 76 % so far this year. Deficit rainfall in Assam has been calculated at 30 % this year while deficit in Manipur is recorded at 46 %, Arunachal Pradesh 36 %, Mizoram 44 %, Nagaland is 56 % and Tripura 27 % .
It has been predicted that monsoon forces may not be strong enough to cause sustained rainfall over the region, though there may be occurrence of rain and thunder showers here and there in the region.
A farmers' organisation in Assam has raised the alarm over the deficit rainfall situation and exhorted upon the state government to under take emergency measure to tackle the imminent drought like situation.
Farmers in most parts of irrigation deficit Assam have not been able to sow seeds of paddy till date due to lack of sufficient water on their paddy fields. Only six per cent of the state's cultivable land has access to irrigation facility.
K Anurag in Guwahti
