Expressing concern over various challenges faced by farmers in Western Sumi jurisdiction especially in Aghunaqa, Khaghaboto and Kuhuboto areas due to the scanty rainfall, the Western Sumi Youth Front (WSYF) has urged the state government and agriculture department to declare Western Sumi area as drought hit for necessary action.
In a press release, WSYF media cell said that rainfall being the major factor in the sowing, planting and production of food crops, however late arrival of monsoon and the insufficient rainfall had left the farming community in distress.
Stating that the area was witnessing long dry spells compared to other parts of the state and with staple food production being dependent on direct rainfed agriculture, WSYF said that “hunger loomed large for the farming community”.
Although the state agriculture department sounded alarm over “drought-like situation” in the state, WSYF expressed hope that the department would have a contingency plan prepared for farmers in case of worsening situation.
Despite the arrival of delayed monsoon, it said that there was almost no increase in rainfall in Dimapur district especially in the Western Sumi area leading to failed germination even after repeated sowing attempts.
While a drought-like situation was sounded by state government, WSYF said it was brought to light that the Western Sumi area was “worst-hit” and the farming community was experiencing drought since all their agricultural crops failed to survive and were “staring at dried fields.”
WSYF has, therefore, urged the state government and agriculture department to declare Western Sumi area as drought hit and take necessary steps in the interest of the affected farming community.
It also requested the agriculture department and Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) to depute staff to Western Sumi area for on-spot verification and assured to extend all possible cooperation.